UPDATE - Twin blasts kill 21, including journalists in Kabul

UPDATES WITH 9 JOURNALISTS, CAMERAMEN AMONG KILLED, GHANI'S STATEMENT, TURKEY CONDEMNS ATTACK

By Shadi Khan Saif

KABUL, Afghanistan (AA) - At least 21 people, including nine journalists and cameramen were killed and 40 others injured in two suspected suicide blasts during the morning rush hour in capital Kabul Monday, according to police and health officials.

Police spokesman Hashmat Stanikzai told Anadolu Agency the first blast was carried out by a suspected suicide bomber riding a motorcycle who targeted government employees in the Shash Darak area inside the supposedly highly-secure green zone of the city at around 8 a.m. (0330 GMT).

“The second attack was carried out by suicide bomber among journalists and security forces who had gathered near the site of the first blast,” Stanikzai said.

The blast site is just a few minutes’ drive away from the office of the National Directorate of Security (NDS), the Afghan intelligence agency and several other government offices and embassies.

Daesh claimed responsibility for the attack. In an online post on its Amaq propaganda site, the terror group claimed it killed over 50 intelligence officials.

Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) spokesman Wahid Majroh confirmed that 21 people were killed and up to 40 others were wounded in the attack.

Local Azadi Radio said one of its reporters -- Abdullah Hananzay -- was killed in the attack.

The French wire-service AFP also confirmed the killing of its chief cameraman, Shah Marai, in the incident.

Mariam Tokhi from Radio Free Europe, Mahram Durrani from Salam Watandar, Yar Mohammad Tokhi -- Tolo News cameraman, Salim Talash -- Mashal TV reporter, Ali Salimi -- Mashal TV cameraman, Ghazi Rasouli -- 1TV reporter and Nowruz Ali -- 1TV cameraman were also killed.

President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani strongly condemned the attack on media personnel in the capital city.

“Freedom of expression is one of the important achievements of the people and the state, and this achievement and value will be protected and protected with full power,” Ghani said in a statement calling the attack an “unforgivable crime”.

Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs also "strongly" condemned the "heinous terrorist attacks" and wished speedy recovery to the wounded and conveyed its condolences to the relatives of the deceased.