18 August
An explosion in the Afghan capital of Kabul has left at least 30 people dead. A government health official told NHK that the blast took place at a wedding on Saturday evening. More than 100 people were injured.
Authorities believe it was a suicide bombing. No one has claimed responsibility. Local media say the wedding was attended by many members of the minority Shiite Hazara community. The blast comes at a time when talks are ongoing between the US and the Taliban.
Washington is trying to negotiate a withdrawal of troops in exchange for a commitment to not use the country as a base for global terrorist attacks. The blast raises further safety concerns ahead of the presidential election scheduled for next month.
Both the Taliban and the Islamic State militant group have carried out attacks in the capital. Both are Sunni Muslim groups.—NHK
