At least 14 people were killed in an attack on a shrine in capital Kabul last night as Shia Muslims prepared for Ashura, a religious day of mourning. The Interior Ministry said, of the 14 killed, 13 were civilians and one police officer. 36 people were also injured and at least one attacker was gunned down.
Police said, two grenades had been detonated during the attack. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack, which President Ashraf Ghani condemned as a clear sign of crime against humanity. He vowed that the government will use its maximum capacity to provide security during Ashura, which will be observed today.
Mr Ghani called on all sections of Afghanistan to stand firmly against the country’s enemies. Ashura marks the day of remembrance of martyrdom of Imam Hussain, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was assassinated in 680 AD. Ashura is also regarded as symbol of the struggle against oppression.