IS suicide bomber kills 33 as Afghans celebrate new year

An Islamic State group suicide bomber struck on the road to a Shiite shrine in Afghanistan's capital today, killing at least 33 people as Afghans celebrated the Persian new year, authorities said.

Wahid Majro, spokesman for The Public Health Ministry, said 65 people were wounded in the attack, which was carried out by a bomber on foot.

IS claimed the attack in an online statement, according to the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadi websites. The group said the attack targeted "a gathering of Shiites celebrating Nowruz."
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani in a statement condemned the attack, calling it a "crime against humanity."
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attack calling Nowruz "a time of renewal and celebration" when the values of peace and solidarity should be promoted, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said, adding "those who have organized this attack must be brought to justice."