Senior Afghan politician survives twin bombings

By Shadi Khan Saif

KABUL, Afghanistan (AA) – A senior Afghan politician on Tuesday survived twin bombings inside a provincial administration compound in southern Afghanistan.

Minutes after the blasts, Zabul’s provincial assembly chairman Ata Jan Haqbayan, a prominent figure, posted a video message on social media assuring supporters of his safety.

“Bombs were planted inside the office of the Zabul governor that injured me and a tribal elder,” he said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

Haqbayan also survived a suicide car bombing on Nov. 29 last year.

- 11 Afghan soldiers, 14 policemen killed

Meanwhile, authorities said at least 11 Afghan security forces were killed in Taliban assaults in Herat and Faryab provinces in the past 24 hours.

Separately, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahed claimed in a statement that the group overran two checkpoints in overnight raids in the Zebak district of northern Badakhshan province, killing 14 policemen.

Afghanistan has been witnessing a surge in violence following US President Joe Biden’s announcement to withdraw all American troops by Sept. 11, the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission said over the weekend that since the announcement, at least 39 civilians have been killed in attacks in Farah, Parwan, Nangarhar, and Kandahar provinces.