Posted on 09/02/2009 10:12:11 AM PDT by nickcarraway
In the most serious strike at Afghanistan's security apparatus since presidential elections two weeks ago, a suicide bomber today killed the country's deputy intelligence chief and 22 other people.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, which took place outside a mosque in Laghman province about 60 miles east of the capital, Kabul.
Authorities said the blast occurred as the intelligence official, Abdullah Laghmani, and his entourage were leaving the mosque where they had gone to pray during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Two senior provincial officials were also reported to be among the dead.
The attack came amid rising tensions over the outcome of Afghanistan's Aug. 20 presidential vote. The latest count, released today, put President Hamid Karzai in the lead with 47% -- close to an absolute majority, but not enough as yet to avoid a runoff with his main rival, former Foreign Minister Abdullah Abdullah. Authorities so far have released the count of ballots from about 60% of polling stations.
Most of the allegations of vote-rigging that have emerged in the wake of the vote have been aimed at Karzai and his supporters. Investigating the complaints could take weeks.
Today's explosion wrecked several vehicles and damaged the mosque the Afghan officials were leaving in the town of Mehterlam. American troops deployed in the area swiftly moved in to cordon off the scene after the blast.
The attack was evidence of the insurgents' ability to track and target even heavily guarded senior officials. Nearly all top figures in the central and provincial governments are at risk of assassination, part of what Western officials say is a Taliban strategy to erode faith in Afghan authorities' ability to govern.
(Excerpt) Read more at latimes.com ...
Mosques: Centers of violins and ammo.
“Suicide Bomber at Mosque” is becoming the ultimate “Man Bites Dog” story
We place restrictive Rules of Engagement on ourselves, because the Muslims say we have to. But they put no such restrictions on themselves.
Ahhh, Ashura. It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
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