Militants claim attacks that kill 20 across nation
KABUL — A suicide bomber killed at least two and wounded seven in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group in the diplomatic area of Afghanistan’s capital on Saturday, and at least 18 soldiers died in an attack on a checkpoint by Taliban insurgents in the country’s west, authorities said.
Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danish said the Kabul attack took place in the Shash Darak area near NATO headquarters and not far from the U.S. Embassy. Danish said the initial casualty count could rise.
The Islamic State group in a statement on its website claimed responsibility.
U.S. Gen. John Nicholson, commander of Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan, said at a news conference he expected Islamic State and the Taliban to continue such attacks.
“We will work hard with our Afghan security counterparts and teammates to help protect the civilians of Afghanistan as much as possible,” he said.
In western Farah province, at least 18 soldiers were killed when their checkpoint came under attack by Taliban insurgents, said Dawlat Waziri, spokesman for the Defense Ministry. He said two other soldiers were wounded in the attack in the Bala Buluk district. Qari Yusouf Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesman, claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement.
Meanwhile, an Afghan official said at least three security personnel were killed in separate suicide bombing attacks in southern Helmand province. Qari Yusouf Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesman, claimed responsibility for both attacks.
The resurgent Taliban and the newer Islamic State affiliate have been blamed for increased violence in Afghanistan after U.S. and NATO forces concluded combat missions in 2014 that began after the Sept. 11 attacks in the U.S.
On Jan. 27, a Taliban attacker drove an ambulance filled with explosives into the heart of Kabul, killing at least 103 people and wounding as many as 235.