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Twin blasts targeting rally kill 61, wound 207 in Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD, July 23 (KUNA) -- At least 61 people were killed and 207 others wounded in twin blasts targeting a rally in Afghanistan's capital city Kabul on Saturday, said the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH).
The spokesman for MoPH, Mohammad Ismael Kawasi, confirmed the death and injury toll as the twin explosions ripped through a rally organized by the Hazara minority community.
The first explosion happened near the Barikot Cinema and the second followed in Demazang Square area, said initial police reports.
Hospital director, Dr. Mohammad Saber Naseb, confirming the casualties, said that scores of wounded had been brought to the hospital and the death toll is feared to rise.
According to local media, the so called Islamic State (IS) group has claimed responsibility for the deadly bombing.
Afghan President, Ashraf Ghani, condemning the blast, said that he was "deeply saddened" by the carnage. He confirmed that the casualties included security officials. (end) sbk.ajs