Rockets land near Afghan president, Taliban denies responsibility

Rockets hit the Afghan capital on Tuesday, landing near the presidential palace for the duration of prayers for the Muslim competition of Eid al-Adha, however President Ashraf Ghani and loads of others lightly persevered praying at an outdoors gathering, TV photos showed.

Three rockets landed outdoors the palace, stated interior ministry spokesperson Mirwais Stanekzai, at the side of that there have been no quick experiences of accidents.

Taliban insurgents denied they have been fascinated by the assault on the heavily fortified palace. Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid urged Reuters in a inform message the warring parties have been in a “voice of protection” for the duration of the Eid non secular holiday. Now not like some old years, the Taliban don’t have any longer officially declared a ceasefire for Eid this week.

Mujahid did not straight away retort when requested if the Taliban’s defensive stance constituted a ceasefire.

Tv photos showed Ghani and dozens of others kneeling for prayer because the first explosion used to be heard. Most persevered to pray as security guards is also seen in the background hurrying toward the sound of the blasts.

Insurgents have for years fired rockets into town every now after which, veritably inflicting handiest minor injure and few if any casualties.

In March closing 365 days, four rockets fell on the perimeter of the palace compound for the duration of Ghani’s inauguration as president. Islamic Impart insurgents claimed responsibility.

Insecurity has been rising in Afghanistan in most new weeks, largely spurred by battling in its provinces as US-led foreign troops full their withdrawal and the Taliban inaugurate vital offensives, taking districts and border crossings.

On Monday, 15 diplomatic missions and the NATO representative in Kabul entreated the Taliban to cease offensives, just hours after the insurgents and the Afghan executive failed to agree on a ceasefire at talks in Doha.