KABUL, Afghanistan – Afghan citizens expressed concern over increasing bombing across western Kabul and provinces as they prepare for Ashura – an important Islamic event that occurs on the tenth day of Muharram.
This came a day after Kabul witnessed suicide bombing in Sar-e-karez neighborhood of Kabul city, urging the Islamic Emirate leadership to provide security on the day.
“The situation is not looking good. They (government and security forces) should be serious about the security,” said Omratullah, a resident of Kabul, as TOLOnews quoted.
“We are concerned that an incident may happen, so we are asking security forces to maintain security carefully,” said Madina, a Kabul resident.
Residents in Paktia province of Afghanistan also called on the current rule to provide security for mosques and Takya Khana (places where people hold mourning ceremonies) around the city during the month of Moharram.
“It feels more dangerous here. We call on the Islamic Emirate to cooperate with us on security,” said Haider Husseini, a tribal elder in Paktia, as local media quoted.
Meanwhile, Kabul’s security command said that a commission has been established to ensure security on the day, saying people can hold their event in their respective area peacefully.
“A commission has been established for security and we ask our Shiite countrymen to celebrate their ceremonies in Takiyeh Khana and to not make disturbances for other people,” said Khalid Zadran, spokesman for the Kabul security department.
On Wednesday, security forces clashed with a group of Daesh in Karti Sakhi area of Kabul, announcing at least four members of the group were killed and one had been arrested by security forces.
According to the security command, the group were planning to carry attack against the Shiite community during the Muharram days.
On Friday, at least six people were killed and 12 other injured in a bomb blast in the Sar-e Karez area of Kabul, Afghanistan. The bomb was found in a car, which targeted Shia neighborhood in the 7th day of Muharram.
Ashura is an important Islamic day that occurs on the tenth day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar. In general, the two main practices performed on the day are fasting and mourning.
