26 bodies have been recovered so far and at least 37 people have been injured after multiple explosions ripped through the Northern regional capital in Afghanistan at approximately 1030 EST. A vehicle borne IED in the fifth district, killed at least 6 and injured 15. Two explosions in the tenth district targeted the Karte Baba Ali Shir and Ariana Hotels, killing at least 20 and injured 22.
The bombings took place on the less densely populated and defended Eastern areas of the city, in Districts 10 and 5.
Taliban Balkh Province Commander confirmed the explosions and casualties in a press briefing at the Balkh University earlier today. This attack follows almost a month after a dual bombing that left nine dead in the Northern city. That attack was quickly claimed by ISIS, who has carried out more than a dozen bombings throughout Afghanistan this year. ISIS attacks in addition to a combined resistance in the Panjshir Valley by the Afghan National Resistance Front is straining the Taliban government who are struggling to implement a series of social reforms, erasing the last 20 years of women’s rights in the country.
