RECEP TAYYIP ERDOGAN TURKISH PRESIDENT
The Taliban should end the occupation of the soil of their brothers
KABUL: At least three rockets landed near the Afghan presidential palace on Tuesday as the country’s leader Ashraf Ghani held outdoor prayers with top officials to mark the start of the Muslim Eid al-Adha holiday.
Although there was no immediate claim of responsibility, it was the first rocket attack on Kabul since the Taliban launched a series of offensives to coincide with the final drawdown of foreign troops from the war-wracked country.
The early morning holiday calm was shattered by incoming rockets heard across the heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses the presidential palace and several embassies, including the US mission.
In a video posted on the official palace Facebook page, dozens of men gathered in the gardens continue their prayers even as the rockets fizz overhead and explode nearby.
President Ghani, dressed in traditional Afghan clothing and a turban, appears not to flinch as he continues the prayer ritual.
“The Taliban have proved that they have no will and intention for peace,” he said in a speech afterwards.
Interior ministry spokesman Mirwais Stanikzai said three rockets had been fired from a pickup truck, but one failed to detonate. “Based on our initial information, we have no casualties,” he added.
The palace was attacked last year as hundreds gathered for Ghani’s inauguration for a second term as president, prompting some to flee. The jihadist Islamic State group (IS) claimed responsibility.
The Taliban have announced ceasefires during past Islamic holidays, offering respite to Afghans who can visit family in relative safety, but no such offer was made on this occasion.
Ibraheem Bahiss, a consultant with the International Crisis Group, said Tuesday’s attack was symbolic, intended to demonstrate the reach of militants operating in Afghanistan. “The fact that these landed so close to the presidential palace... show that these attacks have the potential to become quite lethal.”