LOC22:56
19:56 GMT
ISLAMABAD, June 16 (KUNA) -- At least 26 people were killed and over 50 others wounded as a suicide bomber struck the gathering of Taliban rebels and Afghan armed forces in Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province on Saturday, said officials.
Provincial governor's spokesman, Attaullah Khogyani said that the explosion happened in Rodat district of Nangarhar at a gathering of Eid festival between Taliban and Afghan security forces who were celebrating the recent ceasefire.
He confirmed that 26 people were killed and 54 others were injured including Taliban, security forces and civilians, adding that it had been a suicide bombing.
Earlier, Taliban rebels had announced a ceasefire for the first three days of Eid (Islamic festival) and promised not to attack Afghan security forces, which started on Friday.
The Taliban's ceasefire followed Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's announcement that police and troops would cease operations against the Taliban for eight days.
After the announcement, number of Taliban rebels entered the Afghan capital and other cities to celebrate Eid and received a warm welcome by security forces and civilians.
According to local media, so-called Islamic State (IS) group claimed responsibility for the attack, who are active in many parts of Nangarhar province. Interior Minister, Wais Ahmad Barmak also met Taliban fighters in Afghan capital Kabul.
The suicide blast came at a time when President Ghani said in an address to the nation that the temporary ceasefire between government and Taliban has been warmly welcomed by the people and that he has ordered the security forces to extend the ceasefire.
"I ordered the security and defense forces to extend the ceasefire from the fourth day of Eid-al-Fitr. The details about the extended ceasefire will soon be shared with the people. But I order the forces across the country to be ready for any attack to defend the country and the people," said Ghani.
The president said government has released 46 Taliban prisoners in the spirit of the ceasefire and if Taliban leaders show a positive reaction, government will release more prisoners. (end)
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