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'Deadliest' attack in Afghanistan | 'Deadliest' attack in Afghanistan |
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At least 80 people have been killed in a suicide bombing in the Afghan city of Kandahar - in what appears to be the deadliest attack since 2001. | At least 80 people have been killed in a suicide bombing in the Afghan city of Kandahar - in what appears to be the deadliest attack since 2001. |
The blast hit a crowd of people watching a dog-fighting competition. | The blast hit a crowd of people watching a dog-fighting competition. |
"Sixty of the martyrs were brought to hospitals and 20 more dead bodies were taken from the site," Governor Assadullah Khalid told reporters. | "Sixty of the martyrs were brought to hospitals and 20 more dead bodies were taken from the site," Governor Assadullah Khalid told reporters. |
"This suicide attack was the work of the Taleban," Mr Khalid said. The Taleban have not admitted the blast. | "This suicide attack was the work of the Taleban," Mr Khalid said. The Taleban have not admitted the blast. |
But it bears all their hallmarks, says the BBC's Jon Brain in the Afghan capital. | But it bears all their hallmarks, says the BBC's Jon Brain in the Afghan capital. |
They have a significant presence in the area from where they carry out suicide attacks and roadside bomb blasts. | They have a significant presence in the area from where they carry out suicide attacks and roadside bomb blasts. |
Last week, the Kandahar governor himself was the target of an attempt on his life. | Last week, the Kandahar governor himself was the target of an attempt on his life. |
Last year, violence in Afghanistan reached its highest levels since the Taleban were forced from power in 2001, analysts say. | Last year, violence in Afghanistan reached its highest levels since the Taleban were forced from power in 2001, analysts say. |
Body parts | Body parts |
Dog-fighting competitions are a popular pastime in Afghanistan. They were banned by the Taleban regime. | Dog-fighting competitions are a popular pastime in Afghanistan. They were banned by the Taleban regime. |
MAJOR TALEBAN ATTACKS 29 Dec 2007: 16 policemen killed in Kandahar6 Nov 2007: At least 70 die in attack on sugar factory in Baghlan province29 Sep 2007: At least 30 soldiers killed in bus attack in Kabul 16 Jan 2006: At least 24 people killed in two attacks in Kandahar Deadliest Afghan attacksIn pictures: Afghan blast | |
At least 300 people were attending the event on the outskirts of Kandahar, including militia leaders said to have been the target of Sunday's attack. | At least 300 people were attending the event on the outskirts of Kandahar, including militia leaders said to have been the target of Sunday's attack. |
"Fighting had just started between two dogs. Suddenly I heard a huge explosion next to a police vehicle. Then I saw lots of people dead and wounded," Abdul Karim told the AFP news agency. | "Fighting had just started between two dogs. Suddenly I heard a huge explosion next to a police vehicle. Then I saw lots of people dead and wounded," Abdul Karim told the AFP news agency. |
Body parts were scattered in the area as paramedics rushed the wounded to hospitals. | Body parts were scattered in the area as paramedics rushed the wounded to hospitals. |
The Taleban claim to have influence across most of the country and have extended their area of control from their traditional heartland in the south. | The Taleban claim to have influence across most of the country and have extended their area of control from their traditional heartland in the south. |
They are able to operate freely even in Wardak province, neighbouring the capital Kabul, as a BBC camera crew who filmed them recently found. | They are able to operate freely even in Wardak province, neighbouring the capital Kabul, as a BBC camera crew who filmed them recently found. |
Were you or anyone you know at the scene of the blast? Send your comments or pictures using the form below. | Were you or anyone you know at the scene of the blast? Send your comments or pictures using the form below. |