At least 21 people have lost their lives in a suicide bombing in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar, according to a doctor at the regional hospital speaking to the media.
The Taliban government, however, has reported the death toll as three, with several others sustaining injuries, as confirmed by the police.
The suicide bombing occurred around 08:00 local time at a bank in the city center, as stated by the Taliban. This incident, which is the most significant in Afghanistan this year, has not been claimed by any group yet.
The attack targeted a branch where Afghan government workers were lining up to receive their salaries.
The casualties, including around 50 injured individuals, were transported to Mirwais hospital, the largest in the region, as disclosed by a hospital doctor who wished to remain anonymous.
Kandahar, being the stronghold of the Taliban and the base of their supreme commander, is a crucial city in Afghanistan.
Although the overall security situation has shown some improvement since the Taliban took complete control following the withdrawal of foreign forces in 2021, the country still witnesses numerous bombings and suicide assaults annually.
Many of these attacks, particularly those targeting the Hazara ethnic minority, are often attributed to the Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), the regional branch of the Islamic State group.
ISKP remains a significant adversary of the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Source-BBC
