Afghanistan

Twin Blasts In Afghan Province Of Bamiyan Kill 14, Wound 45

Afghan security personnel arrive on the scene after two blasts ripped through the city of Bamiyan on November 24.

Two explosions in the central Afghan province of Bamiyan have killed at least 14 people and wounded 45.

Two mines, hidden by the side of a road in a main bazaar in Bamiyan city, killed 12 civilians and two traffic policemen, provincial police chief Zabardast Safai told the media on November 24.

Those wounded were mostly customers at a nearby restaurant and shops, Safai added.

No group immediately claimed the blasts in Bamiyan, which is home to many members of the mainly Shi'ite Hazara ethnic minority, and the Taliban denied involvement.

SEE ALSO: Donors Pledge $12 Billion For Afghanistan For 2021-24, But With Tougher Conditions

Interior ministry spokesman Tariq Arian confirmed the toll.

"We are investigating the deadly explosions in Bamiyan," he said.

In 2001, the Taliban blew up the giant, centuries-old Buddha statues that were carved into cliff faces at Bamiyan, which has remained relatively peaceful despite the war raging in most of Afghanistan.

The attacks came as dozens of nations began pledging billions of dollars in aid for Afghanistan at a conference in Geneva on November 24.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP