MAZAR SHARIF: A bomb blast in the northern Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif on Saturday killed a security guard and wounded a group of journalists as well as several children, police and a witness said.

The blast came two days after a suicide bomber killed the Taliban governor of northern Balkh province in an attack claimed by the militant Islamic State (IS) group.

Saturday’s blast took place during an event honouring Afghanistan’s media at a cultural centre in Mazar-i-Sharif. Police said a security guard was killed and that five journalists were among the wounded.

“I heard a big bang... then there was chaos as everyone was trying to find a way to escape,” said Afghan journalist Atif Arian, who was wounded in the blast.

Journalists, children sustain injuries in blast

“Some journalists are seriously wounded.” Balkh police spokesman Mohammad Asif Waziri said three children were among the wounded.

Arian said the explosion happened when a group of children were singing an anthem, minutes after a Taliban official had delivered a speech.

Afghan journalists were regularly targeted before the Taliban reclaimed power, with several attacks claimed by IS.

“Targeting journalists during an event to honour reporters is a despicable and cowardly act,” said Beh Lih Yi, Asia programme director at the Committee to Protect Journalists. “The Taliban must investigate quickly, bring the perpetrators to justice, and end impunity for those who target journalists.”

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2023