Kabul: Rockets land near presidential palace during Eid prayers

Kabul/Web desk:

Rockets fired at around 8:00 am (0330GMT) on Tuesday were heard across the heavily fortified Green Zone that houses the presidential palace and several embassies, including the US mission.

Video by national TV shows the moment rockets landed near the Presidential Palace during Eid prayers this morning. pic.twitter.com/WmEniyfLfM

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According to the spokesperson on interior ministry Mir Wais Stanekzai, at least three rockets landed in the Afghan capital ahead of a speech by President Ashraf Ghani marking the start of the Muslim holiday of Eid al Adha.

“Today the enemies of Afghanistan launched rocket attacks in different parts of Kabul city; all the rockets hit three different parts. Based on our initial information, we have no casualties. Our team is investigating” said the spokesperson.

The attack interrupted an outdoor gathering for prayers in the palace compound attended by President Ashraf Ghani, television images showed. The prayers continued amid the sound of explosions, however, minutes after the attack, Ghani Ghani began an address to the nation in the presence of some of his top officials from an outdoor podium, broadcast on local media.

Insecurity has been growing in Afghanistan, largely drove by fighting in its provinces as foreign troops withdraw and Taliban insurgents launch major offensives, taking districts and border crossings. Unlike some previous years, the Taliban did not declare a ceasefire during the Eid holiday this year.