48 dead in Kabul suicide attack on education center

By Shadi Khan Saif

KABUL, Afghanistan

At least 48 people were killed and more than 30 others injured when a suspected suicide bomber detonated his explosives at a private student coaching center in Afghan capital Kabul on Wednesday, according to officials.

Police spokesman Hashmat Stanikzai told Anadolu Agency the bomber targeted the Dasht-e-Barchi area, a Shia majority part of the city, in the afternoon.

Close to 300 students were said to be present at the center at the time of the attack, Stanikzai said.

Health Ministry spokesman Waheed Majroh told Anadolu Agency the death toll has jumped to 48 while many wounded were in critical state.

Local Tolo News reported that the Mawoud Academy which was targeted is a private education facility that provides tertiary education programs to students wanting to go to university. Both girls and boys attended the classes.

So far, there has been no immediate claim of responsibility.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahed tweeted the armed group was not involved in the attack.

President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani has condemned this attack carried out by "terrorists and savages".

“..The attack at educational and cultural centers show that they are against the teachings of Islam,” he said, while directing the authorities to investigate how the incident took place, and urgently address the injured and the families of victims.