MAZAR-I-SHARIF, Afghanistan, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- At least three people were killed and 16 others wounded in twin blasts hitting the house of a pro-government local leader in Afghanistan's northern Balkh province on Thursday, local police confirmed.
"The explosions occurred in span of short time in house of Nazar Gul, an influential local leader, in Sholgara district at mid-day. The blasts came when local villagers were arriving to attend a security meeting there," district police chief Harif Iaqbal told Xinhua.
Nazar Gul, a former commander of Afghan Local Police in Sholgara, received minor wounds in the incident, the police chief said.
"The meeting was underway to discuss security and stability in Sholgara, 63 km south of provincial capital Mazar-i-Sharif. The wounded were transported to hospitals. Fortunately, Nazar Gul, who has a key role in the fight against the insurgents in Sholgara villages, did not suffer serious wounds," the police chief added.
The police chief blamed "enemies of peace," referring to the Taliban militant group, for the attack. The Taliban militants, however, have not commented so far.
The Taliban has urged civilians to stay away from official gatherings, military convoys and centers regarded as targets by militants and warned people not to support the government.
The incident came as fighting raged and clashes between government forces and Taliban militants continued in at least half of the country's 34 provinces. Enditem
