Two blasts in Afghan capital during parallel presidential inaugurations

Hundreds of people had assembled at two venues inside the presidential palace complex to watch the swearing-in ceremonies for President Ashraf Ghani and challenger Abdullah Abdullah

Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani
Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani.
AFP | PTI Kabul
1 min read Last Updated : Mar 09 2020 | 5:34 PM IST

Two blasts were heard as Afghanistan's two rival leaders held parallel presidential inaugurations in Kabul on Monday, underscoring the country's woeful security ahead of talks with a resurgent Taliban.

Hundreds of people had assembled at two venues inside the presidential palace complex to watch the swearing-in ceremonies for President Ashraf Ghani and challenger Abdullah Abdullah, when the blasts were heard, prompting some to flee.

"I have no bulletproof vest on, only my shirt, I will stay even if I have to sacrifice my head," Ghani told the remaining crowd, as sirens sounded overhead.

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Topics :Ashraf GhaniAbdullah AbdullahAfghanistanTalibanAfghan Taliban

First Published: Mar 09 2020 | 5:18 PM IST

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