20 killed in suicide attack in northeast Afghanistan

AFP , Sunday 25 Dec 2011

Member of parliament from Takhar in North East Afghanistan among those killed in bomb attack

At least 20 people, including an Afghan MP, were killed Sunday in a suicide attack on a funeral procession in northeast Afghanistan, a provincial governor said.

"In a funeral ceremony this afternoon a suicide attacker targeted the gathering killing 20 people including Abdul Mutalib, a member of parliament from Takhar, and wounding 35 others," said Abdul Jabar Taqwa, the governor of Takhar.

"I was also invited to this ceremony but I didn't go. The target was either me or the MP."

Takhar police chief, General Khair Mohammad Temor, confirmed the attack in Taluqan city, the provincial capital.

"A suicide attacker wearing a suicide vest attacked a funeral procession in Taluqan city in Takhar," he said.

"As a result at least ten people were killed and 38 others wounded. They have been taken to hospital. The toll may increase."

There was no immediate claim of responsibility and the Taliban, who are leading a 10-year insurgency against international and Afghan government forces, were not reachable for comment.

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