9 guards killed as Ghafari motorcade hits landmine

PUL-I-KHUMRI (Pajhwok): At least nine security guards of a former member of Provincial Council were killed after their vehicular convoy hit a roadside bomb in northern Baghlan province on Wednesday.

A source in Baghlan, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told Pajhwok Afghan News that the blast took place in Cheshma Sher area of Pul-i-Khumri City today afternoon.

He said the motorcade of Mahboobullah Ghafari hit a roadside bomb, which left nine of his bodyguards dead and a 10^th wounded.

Merajuddin, a relative of Ghafari, said the former PC member had been appointed as in charge of Hairatan customs and was on his way to attend his introduction ceremony today.

“Ghafari was on his way to attend the ceremony when a roadside bomb hit his bodyguards vehicle and nine of them were killed and 10th wounded,” he added.

Habibullah Mohib, director of public health department, told Pajhwok that nine bodies and an injured guard had been brought to the hospital from the blast site.

The injured was said to be in critical condition.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast.

Police spokesman Ahmad JavedBasharat confirmed the incident, saying Ghafari escaped unhurt but his bodyguards suffered casualties.

Sa/ma

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