Explosion at Faryab Court Raises Security Concerns in Northern Afghanistan

Incident Overview

Kabul, Jan 2: An explosion rocked the Court of Appeal in Faryab, triggering panic and raising new security alarms in northern Afghanistan, as reported by local media on Friday. Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene following the blast.

Details of the Blast

The explosion occurred on Thursday while Taliban officials were engaged in a security meeting inside the court building, suggesting that the gathering might have been the intended target.

Reports vary on the cause of the explosion, with some sources indicating it was a rocket strike, while others suggest it was due to a planted mine, according to Afghan news agency Khaama Press.

Casualties and Response

Health officials reported that several individuals, both dead and injured, were transported to hospitals, although precise casualty numbers have yet to be disclosed. As of now, no group has taken responsibility for the attack, and Taliban officials have not issued an official statement regarding the incident or its consequences.

Previous Incidents

In a related context, last October, a hand grenade explosion in a mosque during evening prayers in Parwan province injured nine people, as per local officials. The incident occurred on October 19 in the Shinwari district when a man accidentally dropped a grenade he was carrying.

Witnesses noted that the individual who dropped the grenade was a Taliban member and also sustained injuries in the explosion. Authorities have not provided further information about the suspect or the circumstances surrounding the incident.

This incident followed a similar attack in Bamiyan province, where armed assailants opened fire on worshippers during prayers.