The explosion occurred in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of the Balkh province, throughout an award occasion for journalists.

An explosion throughout an award ceremony for journalists in Afghanistan’s northern Balkh province has killed no less than one particular person and wounded 5 others, in accordance with a Taliban police spokesman.

The explosion passed off on the Tabian Farhang centre in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of the province, as journalists gathered for the award occasion at 11am on Saturday, stated Mohammad Asif Waziri, the Taliban-appointed spokesman for Balkh police.

“A blast has taken positioned within the second police district of Balkh,” he stated. Waziri confirmed the casualty toll, including that three kids have been among the many injured.

The incident got here two days after a bomb in Mazar-i-Sharif killed the provincial governor, Daud Muzmal, and two others. 4 have been wounded.

Journalists injured

A journalist based mostly in Balkh, Mohammad Fardin Nowrozi, instructed the Reuters information company that he and different journalists have been injured within the explosion, however didn’t present additional particulars.

Wounded journalists additionally included Najeeb Faryad, a reporter for Ariana Information tv station, who stated he felt like one thing hit him within the again, adopted by a deafening sound earlier than he fell to the bottom, in accordance with the Related Press information company.

Nobody has instantly claimed accountability for the assault, however the regional affiliate of the ISIL (ISIS) group is a key rival of the Taliban.

The group has elevated its assaults in Afghanistan for the reason that Taliban takeover of the nation in August 2021. Targets have included Taliban patrols and members of Afghanistan’s Shia minority.