Afghanistan- 41, including police chief killed, 158 others wounded in Paktika terrorist attack

(MENAFN- Afghanistan Times) By Farhad Naibkhel-KABUL: At least 41 people including police chief of Paktia province were killed Tuesday while 158 others wounded in a bombing and mass attack in the Gardiz city, provincial capital.

'A group of terrorist armed with suicide vests and weapons attacked at 9:40 am police headquarter and police training center, which are located beside each other in Gardiz city center of southern Paktia province,' said Ministry of Interior in a statement.

In advance the two car bomber attack took place in front of the police headquarter later five armed terrorist stormed inside police headquarter and training center.

Shortly after the incident Special Forces unit reach to the area and the attack ended after over three hours by killing of all five terrorist stormed inside

Deputy of Ministry of Interior General Morad Ali Morad said that 41 people were killed and 158 others were wounded in Gardiz bombing and terrorist attack

He said that including 21 police and 20 civilian are among killed people and 48 police and 110 civilians are among wounded people.

He confirmed that police chief of Paktia is also among killed people.

He said that minister of Interior went to Gardiz to assess the incident.

He said that Taliban and other terrorist groups suffered heavy casualties in battle ground, thus they struggle to conduct such attacks.

He said that Afghan forces are well prepared for Kabul and other provinces to eliminate terrorist groups.

Afghan forces will exert utmost efforts to bring pressure over terrorists to become ready for peace, he added.

President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, condemned the terrorist attack in Paktia, praising security forces for efforts and sacrifices.

President said that government has the view of believe to peace and humanitarian, but the terrorist emphasize on continue of war, so we will stand against criminals and defend from evry hook and won't let to the country become safe heavens for terrorists.

Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack the group' s Spokesman by sending an statement said that First a suicide bomber blew himself up in front of the public order police compound in Gardiz city of Paktia and letter fighter stormed inside.

The statement said that shortly after the attack a car bomber targeted police headquarter in Gardiz city as well, where in both attack heavy casualty incurred to police forces in the area.

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