Second attack during Afghanistan cease-fire kills 19

KABUL, Afghanistan — A suicide bomber struck in Afghanistan’s eastern city of Jalalabad on Sunday, killing at least 19 people in the second attack in as many days targeting Taliban fighters, security forces and civilians celebrating a holiday cease-fire. The Taliban later rejected an extension of the ceasefire.

Najibullah Kamawal, director of the provincial health department, said an additional 60 people were wounded in the attack, which struck a crowd of people as they left the governor’s compound.

Saturday’s attack, which also took place in Jalalabad, killed at least 36 people and wounded 65, said Kamawal.

No one has claimed responsibility for the attacks, but they appeared to be the work of the Islamic State group, which is not included in the cease-fire and has clashed with the Taliban in the past.

The bomber on Saturday targeted a gathering of Taliban fighters celebrating a three-day truce coinciding with the Eid al-fitr holiday.

After the attack, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani announced a nine-day extension of the ceasefire. The chairman of the High Peace Council, a government body charged with negotiating an end to the nearly 17-year war, called on the Taliban to accept the extended cease-fire and join the peace process.

But later Sunday the Taliban said their cease-fire had ended.

“The cease-fire was announced by the Taliban for just the three days of the Eid holidays, which have come to an end this Sunday evening,” spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said.