3 Killed in Suicide Blast in Afghanistan

A suicide blast outside a bank in the city of Kandahar in southern Afghanistan on Thursday resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left at least 12 others wounded, according to a local official speaking to the French Press Agency.

Enaamullah Samangani, the Director of Media and Culture in Kandahar province, informed the agency, "Today around 8 a.m. (03:30 GMT) in the city of Kandahar... a suicide blast occurred, killing three of our citizens and injuring 12, according to preliminary information."

The blast targeted a group of people gathered outside the New Kabul Bank branch in Kandahar City. Samangani added, "Our citizens usually gather there to collect their salaries," confirming that "the victims are civilians."

Attacks and bombings in Afghanistan have significantly decreased since the return of the Taliban to power in the summer of 2021 and the withdrawal of foreign forces, leading to the collapse of the Washington-backed government.

However, some armed groups, notably the local branch of ISIS, continue to pose a threat.