Kabul bomber strikes during Shi’ite ceremony

A suicide bomber blew himself up near a shrine in Kabul yesterday, killing at least 32 people and wounding dozens, as the Afghan capital celebrated Nawruz, which marks the start of the Persian new year.

The explosion underlined the ongoing threat to the city from militant attacks, despite tightened security, with the Isil terror group claiming responsibility. Its Amaq news agency said the attack specifically targeted Shi’ites celebrating Nawruz.