The death toll following a suicide bomb attack in Nangarhar province yesterday has risen to 68, the health department confirmed. The spokesman for the governor of Nangarhar said over 165 persons have also been injured in the bomb attack on protesters.
The spokesperson said a suicide bomber approached the crowded tent where the protesters had gathered and detonated his explosive vest. The demonstrators had gathered in protest over the appointment of a local police chief. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.
The governor’s spokesman, Attaullah Khogyani, told Pajhwok Afghan News the bombing took place in the Daki area of Momandara district near the border with Pakistan.
He said the wounded were evacuated to Jalalabad Zonal Hospital, Fatima Alzahra Hospital and a medical facility in the Ghanikhel district of the province.
Public Health Director Dr. Najibullah Kamawal confirmed 65 people were killed and 165 others wounded in the devastating assault. About 35 bodis were taken to their homes, with the seriously injured evacuated to local hospitals.