No Bulgarian Service Members Injured in Kabul Bombing

SOFIA (Bulgaria), April 23, 2018, Text: BM News Team, Photo: REUTERS/Omar Sobhani

No Bulgarian service members were injured on Sunday, 22nd April 2018, in the explosion in the Afghan capital Kabul. This was said by the National Commander of the 35th Rotating Bulgarian Military Contingent in Afghanistan – Colonel Georgi Margitin, reported the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA).

The explosion took place at quite big distance from the base where the Bulgarian service members are deployed in support of the NATO’s Resolute Support mission.

Since the start of the registration process on 14th April for elections scheduled for October in Afghanistan, this is the first attack in Kabul against a voter registration centre, outside which a bomber blew himself up on Sunday, 22nd April. At least 57 people were killed and 119 were injured, but the total numbers would probably rise. Nearby cars and buildings were also destroyed.

Responsibility for the attack has been claimed by ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria).

A month ago on 21st March there was another attack in Kabul. The victims then were over 30, and the injured people – at least 70. The responsibility for the attack then was also claimed by the Islamic State.

The attack on 22nd April is reported to be the deadliest attack in Kabul since January when 100 people were killed by explosives hidden in an ambulance.