Afghanistan: three killed by rocket fire in Kabul

At least three people, including two members of the Afghan Presidential Guard, were killed, and 16 others injured by rockets fired at Kabul on Tuesday, officials said Wednesday (August 19th).

Read also: Afghanistan: rocket fire on Kabul on the anniversary of independence

“ Unfortunately, as a result of these rocket attacks, three people, including two government officials, were killed, and 16 others injured, including four children and a woman, ” said Tareq Arian, spokesperson for the ministry of 'Interior, in a statement.

Fourteen rockets struck the center of the Afghan capital on Tuesday, one of them hitting the presidential palace, as the country celebrated the 101st anniversary of its independence. Two members of the president's guard of honor perished in the attack, two palace employees told AFP on condition of anonymity.

3rd attack in two years

Six other members of the honor guard were injured when the rocket struck the palace, shortly after the end of a ceremony in the presence of the head of state. The unclaimed attack comes as the Afghan government and the Taliban are expected to begin peace talks soon.

The Presidential Palace is located in a highly protected area of ​​Kabul, a short walk from the Embassy District, hidden behind high concrete walls. This is the third time in two years that he has been targeted or hit by rockets.

In August 2018, around thirty mortar shells had rained on Kabul, some of which fell during a speech by Mr. Ghani, forcing him to stop. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack, as well as rocket attacks last March against the inauguration ceremony of the Afghan president.