WEB DESK
In Afghanistan, the Independence Day today was marred by bloodshed when a series of explosions shook the eastern Afghan city of Jalalabad, wounding at least 40 people including children.
As many as 10 blasts were reported in and around the city in Nangarhar province and casualty numbers appeared to be rising.
Nangarhar Governor’s Spokesman Attaullah Khogyani said, the explosions were caused by IEDs in different parts of the city and as groups of people were celebrating Independence Day.
Jalalabad is the scene of frequent bomb attacks, and the surrounding terrain is home to both Taliban fighters and the Islamic State group’s local affiliate. Earlier, an IS suicide attack on a crowded Kabul wedding hall killed at least 63 people yesterday. This year’s August 19 celebrations marked 100 years of Afghan independence from British influence.