Suicide bomber hits political gathering in Kabul, 10 killed

Kabul, Nov 16 (IANS) At least 10 people were killed and nine others wounded when a suicide bomb ripped through a banquet hall in a northern neighbourhood of Afghanistan's capital of Kabul on Thursday, police and witnesses said.

"A terrorist wearing an explosives-packed jacket tried to enter Qasr-e-Naween Hall at midday in Khair Khana Mina locality shortly before a political gathering ended," Kabul police spokesman Basir Mujahid told Xinhua.

He said the police intercepted the attacker after identifying him but the assailant detonated his explosive, causing casualties.

"The bomber struck at the front gate of the building. The victims included seven police officers and two civilians in addition to the bomber. Among the injured people were seven policemen and two civilians," he said.

The meeting was held by supporters of Atta Mohammad Noor, Governor of northern Balkh province, and a senior member of Jamiat-e-Islami of Afghanistan, a major political party, witness Ahmad Farshad told Xinhua.

Several high-ranking officials, senior members of Jamiat and members of country's parliament were among the attendees of the meeting to honour Noor, he said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

Late last month, 30 people, including Fazil Ahmad, a member of Jamiat, were killed and 22 civilians wounded in a suicide bomb attack in western Ghor province.