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Bombs Go Off on Afghan Independence Day, Following Wedding Attack That Killed 63

HeadlineAug 19, 2019

In Afghanistan, a series of bomb attacks rocked restaurants and other public spaces today in the eastern city of Jalalabad, injuring at least 66 people. Afghanistan is marking the 100th anniversary of its independence today. The attacks follow Saturday’s bloody suicide bombing at a wedding in Kabul that killed 63 people, wounding around 200 others. The attack, claimed by the Islamic State, was the deadliest this year in Afghanistan. This is the groom from the wedding.

Mirwais Elmi: “I’ve lost hope. I lost my brother, my friends who came to join my wedding party. The celebration of Independence Day does not matter to me anymore. I don’t care whether the government is going to light up the city. It’s the independence night, and it’s dedicated only to the rich people who celebrate it. All those killed were laborers and poor people attending the ceremony. Rich people do not come to participate in poor people’s ceremonies.”

The attack came as the U.S. and Taliban are reportedly close to a peace deal after months of talks between the two parties. The Afghan government, however, has not been a part of the negotiations. Afghanistan is due to hold elections next month.

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