LASHKARGAH (SW) – The casualties caused by twin IED blasts in Helmand during Farmers’ Day celebrations reached to 52 with four killed and 48 wounded.
Umer Zwak, spokesman for the provincial governor, told Salam Watandar the explosives were hidden in samples of palm trees on display during the Farmers’ Day celebrations in the provincial capital, Lashkargah. He said the initial blast took place when the provincial governor reached the spot, which was followed by a second blast moments later.
Commander of the first company of the Afghan Border Police, Col. Zahir Gul Muqbil – who also got injured in the blast – said a blind man at the exhibition was holding the sample tree in which explosives were hidden. He added the attackers wished to place the vase with explosives close to the governor, but this bid was thwarted.
Eyewitnesses said the security forces resorted to indiscriminate firing following the explosions that could have caused the casualties.
Spokesman for the governor informed SW a team has been formed to probe the matter in details.
ENDS
