Kabul, Aug 18 (UNI) The Islamic State on Sunday claimed responsibility for the explosion at a wedding in Kabul that left at least 63 people dead and more than 180 injured.
The group in a statement in Arabic said that the Saturday night's attack was carried out by suicide bomber Abu Asim Al-Pakistani, Khaama news agency reported.
The statement added that the attack targeted a gathering of Mushrikeens, referring the victims as non-believers.
Earlier in the day, Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Nusrat Rahimi had confirmed that the blast happened at the Shahr-e-Dubai wedding hall in Kabul at around 2240 hrs and it was a sucide bombing. He also said that women and children were among the victims.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani condemned the attack and expressed condolences to the relatives of the victims.
"I strongly condemn the inhumane attack on the wedding hall in Kabul last night. My top priority for now is to reach out to the families of victims of this barbaric attack. On behalf of the nation I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who were martyred," he tweeted.
Ghani said he had called an extraordinary security meeting to review and prevent such security lapses.
The Taliban condemned the attack as 'forbidden and unjustifiable' and denied any involvement.
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