The death toll from a suicide attack that ripped through Kandahar province in southern Afghanistan on Thursday morning has risen sharply to 26, according to a doctor at Mirwais Hospital, one of the city’s largest medical facilities.
The doctor, who requested anonymity, said hospital data showed 26 fatalities and at least 38 injuries resulting from the blast.
This significantly contradicts the official death toll provided by the Taliban administration, which stands at 3.
The attack targeted the Kandahar branch of Kabul Bank around 8:00 AM local time.
According to the Kandahar Police Department, the initial report indicated 3 deaths and 12 injuries.
ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack.
Afghan media sources report that the bombing occurred while civil servants waited in line to collect their salaries.
While security has improved in Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, sporadic and deadly attacks continue to plague the country.
The terrorist organization ISIS-K, also known as Daesh, has claimed responsibility for many recent attacks, particularly against the minority Shiite Hazara community.