Large explosion near Kabul airport, casualties feared

Though no one has come forward to take responsibility for the attack, it appears to be another aggressive act by Taliban which has been stepping up attacks in last few days after there were reports of rift within the group.

The bloodshed began on Friday with a truck bomb that exploded in a heavily populated district of the capital and ended with an hours-long battle at a base used by US special forces.

“A coalition facility [Camp Integrity] was attacked at 10.15pm, 7 August”.

MALI The first attack by Islamic extremists in Mali’s central town of Sevare that killed nine people shows that jihadist aggressions are spreading and neither the government nor the United Nations peacekeeping force can ensure safety.

The responsibility for at least two of the bombings had been claimed by the Taliban. Pakistan and Afghan governments had stated that the peace talks were started with the approval of the Taliban’s powerful leadership council.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has also condemned terrorist attack in Kabul and called for immediate ban on weapons which have been used to kill and maim indiscriminately.

The statement, nevertheless, didn’t give exact figure of casualties. The number of women killed and injured has increased by a sharp 23 percent. Last week, Feday-e-Mahaz, a breakaway Taliban faction, posted a statement on its Facebook page saying that “the whereabouts of Mullah Omar is known to everyone, and his grave is in Zabul, may his soul rest in peace”.

He said there were reports that Mullah Akhtar Masnour has been appointed as the new Taliban chief and many commanders have already pledged allegiance to Mullah Mansour while some have differences. Senior Pakistani security officials told VOA Sunday that despite attempts by “spoilers and detractors” in Afghanistan to hamper improved bilateral cooperation, leaders in both countries remain closely engaged to further the reconciliation process.

SPOKESMAN Sernando Estreooa said two militants were also killed in the attack on Friday at Camp Integrity on the outskirts of the capital.

It said those killed – and some 15 wounded – were civilians. Initial numbers released by the officials confirms the death of 4 civilians and 17 critically injured. They include 3,699 civilian deaths, up 25 per cent from 2013 and 6,849 civilian injuries, up 21 per cent from 2013.