20 civilians injured in Khost blast

KHOST CITY (PAN): Twenty civilians were injured when a police vehicle was attacked with a hand-grenade in southwestern Khost province on Sunday, the Ministry of Interior said.

The explosion at around 9:15am took place in a busy square, Sargardan Chawk area, of Khost City. An unknown man threw a hand grenade toward the police van, the ministry said in a statement.

It said the police stayed unhurt, but 20 civilians were injured.

Police spokesman Col. Ziarat Gul told Pajhwok Afghan News 19 civilians were injured when a hand grenade was thrown from the second floor of the Hamam Market.

A search operation was ongoing and so far 11 suspects had been arrested, he said.

The Khost Civil Hospital head, Dr. Majeed Mangal, confirmed receiving 17 wounded people, including a policeman and a woman, at the hospital. Two of the injured are in a critical condition, he added.

“I was shopping at the market when the blast occurred that knocked me unconscious. As I came to my senses, I found myself in hospital,” said Painda, who was injured in the attack.

Witness Ghafoor said the target was a police vehicle. He had no exact figures for casualties, but said he fled the area fearing for more possible explosions.

No one has so far claimed risibility for the incident.

mrh/myn/ma

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