20 killed in Kabul funeral bombings

At least 20 people were killed and nearly 90 wounded when three consecutive explosions rocked Kabul city during of Senator Ezadyar's son's funeral.

A security official confirmed that the incident took place as the funeral ceremony of Mohammad Salim Izadyar was underway in Badambagh area.

The explosions took place at about 3.30 p.m. According to sources, three suicide bombers detonated their explosives back-to-back during the ceremony.

High-ranking officials had been in attendance at the time, including CEO Abdullah Abdullah and acting Foreign Affairs Minister Salahuddin Rabbani.

Photographs after the explosion showed Abdullah was safe while Rabbani took to Twitter and confirmed he was unharmed but condemned the incident.

The official added that at least 20 people were killed and around 90 were wounded in the explosions.

The type of explosive used has not been ascertained so far and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Ezadyar's son was killed during a mass rally in Kabul on Friday after security forces opened fire on the demonstrators.

Security forces have cordoned off the cemetery area and have advised people to avoid the area.

The Taliban said its fighters have no role in the explosions that took place during the burial and funeral ceremony in Sarai Shamali area of Kabul.

Zabiul Mujahid, the groups spokesperson, claimed that the incident has links to internal dispute and enmity among the enemies of the group.

President Ashraf Ghani, who condemned the attack via Twitter, said the "country was under attack".

"President Ghani condemns the outrageous attack on mourners burying the martyred.The country is under attack.We must be strong and united," he said.

This comes just hours after two high-ranking security officials warned members of the public against attending mass gatherings. Both the Kabul Garrison Commander and the Deputy Minister of Interior Murad Ali Murad said on television that the threat level in Kabul was extremely high, therefore people should avoid public gatherings.

This week has been particularly deadly for Kabul after five persons were killed during the mass rally in the city on Friday. They had been protesting against Wednesday's massive truck bombing which killed over 100 people and injured more than 600.

--IANS

ahm/bg