Afghanistan: ISIS terrorists target funeral in Nangarhar during Ramadan, 24 killed

Eyewitnesses told Tolo News that explosion happened in a crowd of people who were gathered for the funeral of Shaikh Akram, a former commander of public uprising forces, in Shewa district. 

Several wounded people are said to be in critical condition.

Abdullah Malikzai, a member of Nangarhar's provincial council, also lost his life in the attack, reported Tolo News.

SITE Intelligence Group Director Rita Katz said terrorist group ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack.

She tweeted: "BREAKING: #ISIS claims returning to its former foothold #Nangarhar with a vengeance, w/ a suicide bombing targeting a funeral ceremony in Kuz Kunar, killing 24+ according to officials. Funerals have been a past target type for ISIS ops in the country."

Another terror attack in Kabul city on the same day left 14 people dead.

The target of the attack in Kabul was Dasht-e-Barchi hospital maternity ward and two newborns were among those killed in the incident.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned the attacks and tweeted: " I condemn in the strongest terms the two horrific terrorist attacks in Afghanistan today. The Afghan people deserve a future free from these egregious acts of evil and must come together to build a united front against the menace of terrorism."

British Embassy in Kabul said: "Appalling attack on a maternity hospital in #Kabul, with newborn babies being rescued amid gunfire and explosions. Disgusting that terrorists could target a health facility. More death in #Nangarhar today. #Afghanistan violence needs to stop."

The attacks took place when the world is combating COVID-19 outbreak.

Image: Rita Katz Twitter page