Blast kills 24 near election rally for Afghan President

Tuesday, 17 September 2019 13:09

A bomb has exploded near an election campaign rally held by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, killing at least 24 people and injuring 31 others.

Ghani, who had been due to address the rally in Charikar, north of Kabul, was reported unhurt.

The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack that was carried out by a suicide bomber.

In a separate incident, an explosion killed at least six people in the centre of Kabul.

The Taliban has vowed to intensify its attack as Ghani bids for a second five-year term in the September 28 election.

More from International News

Australia toughens kids' social media ban

Australia said on Saturday it would double the maximum penalty it can impose on tech firms found to have failed to uphold a ground-breaking social media ban for children, as evidence mounts that the ban has had little effect on teen use.
Strong earthquake hits Hindu Kush, shaking Afghanistan and Pakistan

A strong earthquake struck Afghanistan's Hindu Kush region on Saturday, the European Mediterranean Seismological Centre said, sending out tremors that could be felt from the capital Kabul across the border into neighbouring Pakistan.
Serbian President Vucic says he will resign within weeks

Serbia's populist president Aleksandar Vucic, under pressure after months of anti-government protests, said on Saturday he will resign within weeks and the country will hold early presidential and parliamentary elections.
Death toll in Venezuela quake tops 1,400 as rescue efforts intensify

The death toll from Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes rose above 1,400 on Saturday as foreign rescue teams poured into the country and authorities pressed on with the search for survivors in the hardest-hit coastal areas.
Authorities investigate light aircraft crash into Beijing skyscraper

A light aircraft crash into Beijing's tallest building on Friday killed the pilot and injured 13 people who were not on board, the local government said following the unusual accident for the Chinese capital, where airspace is heavily restricted.

UAE soldier dies during training mission
The UAE Ministry of Defence has announced the death of soldier Issa Ghuloom Al Baloushi, who passed away during a training mission in the country on Saturday.
UAE expresses concern over military escalation in Sudan
The UAE has expressed deep concern over the continued military escalation by the two warring parties in several areas of Sudan, including El Obeid, and the impact on civilians and the worsening humanitarian situation.
UAE steps up relief aid for Lebanon
Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE is sending humanitarian aid to people affected by the ongoing crisis in Lebanon through the UAE Aid Agency.