A suicide bomber killed at least 29 people Wednesday in Afghanistan while they were heading to a Shiite shrine in the capital to celebrate the Persian New Year.
Dozens more were injured by the bomber, according to the Public Health Ministry, who said the attacker was on foot when he carried out the bombing.
According to the SITE Intelligence group, which monitors jihadi websites, the Islamic State claimed the attacker is affiliated with the group.
IS Claims Killing, Wounding 100 Shi’ites During Persian New Year Celebration in Kabul https://t.co/aBH87CVT4M
— SITE Intel Group (@siteintelgroup) March 21, 2018
The Afghan minority Shiites celebrate the Persian New Year, called Nowruz, by visiting shrines such as the one in the Afghanistan capital city of Kabul.
The attack took place near Kabul University and a government hospital, the Sakhi shrine, Kabul police chief Gen. Daud Amin said.
Daud said the attacker was able to slip past police checkpoints set up along the road, and an investigation into the security breach is underway. He said anyone found to have neglected his duties would be punished.
