Dozens of people died Tuesday in Afghanistan in two separated suicide bombings apparently targeting Shiite Muslims as they worshiped on the holy day of Ashura. The attacks occurred in Kabul and Mazar-e Sharif. Officials put the overall death toll at 60. Many of the dead were women and children.
The explosion in Kabul occurred at a Shitte shrine where worshipers were gathered for Ashura. Afghan Health Ministry spokesman Kargar Norughli said at least 56 people died there and 150 others were wounded.
In Mazar-e Sharif, a suicide bomber detonated his explosives on a busy street. Four people were killed and another 21 were wounded.
Afghan Preisdnet Hamid Karzai condemned the attacks in a statement. "This is the first time that on such an important religious day in Afghanistan, terrorism of that horrible nature is taking place. We all wish the best for those who are injured and quick recovery and patience to the families of those who have lost their dear ones,” he said.
ISAF General John Allen called the attacks “horrific” and said the bombings were “an attack against Islam itself.” “We denounce and condemn the atrocities in the strongest of terms,” he added.
The Taliban denied responsibility for the blasts and accused NATO of being involved. The group called the attacks “cruel and indiscriminate.”
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