More than 40 killed in Afghan wedding attack

An explosion was set off among a wedding party in Arghandab district, near Kandahar, in Afghanistan on Thursday, killing at least 40 and wounding more than 70. Nato forces blamed the attack on the Taliban.

Reuters

The origin of the blast is still unclear, but initial reports indicate that a suicide bomber had walked into the festivities, which was reportedly being attended by members of the anti-Taliban militia.

"My brother was wounded. We don't know what happened. There was an enormous explosion and as a result everyone there was either killed or injured," said Mohammad Zanif, a brother of the groom.

Most of the vicitims were male, as the blast took place where the men were celebrating.

"This ruthless violence brought to the Afghan people at what should have been a time for celebration demonstrates the Taliban's sickening and indiscriminate tactics," said Nato Lieutenant General Nick Parker.

Kandahar is the area where the US-led military is aiming to drive out the Taliban after a nine-year insurgency. US President Barack Obama has ordered another 30,000 troops to Afghanistan. By August, there will be some 150,000 troops stationed there.