Afghanistan: 40 killed, 80 wounded in suicide attack at religious gathering in Kabul

At least 40 people were killed and 80 injured after a suicide bomber triggered an explosion at a gathering of top clerics inside a large wedding hall in Kabul on Tuesday, according to initial reports. The incident too place around 6.15 pm (local time) during a large gathering of people who were marking Prophet Mohammad’s birthday, according to Tolo News.

Basir Mujahid, spokesman of the  Kabul police, told News agency Reuters that more than 60 other people were injured in the blast. “I have confirmed reports that 40 people have been killed,” Mujahid said. There were no immediate claims of responsibility for the blast.

"Initial information suggests it was caused by a suicide bomber," interior ministry spokesman Najib Danish said. He said the number of dead and wounded was "more than 50" so far.

A manager of Uranus Wedding Palace, which also hosts political and religious functions, told news agency AFP that a suicide bomber blew himself up in the middle of the gathering.

"There are a lot of casualties -- I myself have counted 30 casualties," he said on the condition of anonymity. 

Details are awaited...