Multiple blasts rock Afghanistan, 9 dead, dozens injured

ISTANBUL

Breaking a peaceful lull of several months in war-torn Afghanistan, multiple blasts hit the country on Thursday, including in the capital Kabul, leaving at least nine people dead.

Overall more than 85 people were also injured, Kabul-based Tolo News reported, but that number is likely to rise.

The first blast of the day hit Kabul, injuring two children.

Later at least five people were killed and 65 injured in a blast that hit the Seh Dokan Mosque located in a busy area of Mazar-e-Sharif.

Officials at Abu Ali Sina Balkhi District Hospital said dozens of injured are being treated at the facility.

Later still, Qari Obaidullah Abedi, local police spokesperson, said at least four people were killed and 18 injured in a blast that hit Sardawar in the northern Kunduz province.

The multiple blasts targeting civilians in Afghanistan, currently ruled by the interim Taliban-led administration, raise security concerns after months of relative peace.

The security situation had improved after the Taliban returned to power last August, according to UN reports.