Peace still a distant goal after child carries out suicide attack at a wedding

The attack took place in Nangarhar, a stronghold of both the Islamic state and the Taliban, with the commander of a pro-government militia as the apparent target. This has derailed the road map for peace reached in Doha.

Kabul (AsiaNews) – A boy carried out a bomb attack at a wedding yesterday. The latest human tragedy to hit Afghanistan comes amid peace talks with Taliban after 18 years of civil war.

Some activists told AsiaNews that negotiations in Qatar are a failure. For Bismillah Watandost, spokesman for the People's Peace Movement (PPM), "The parties are not talking about real peace. We are still waiting for serious discussions. Meanwhile, everyone is trying to get the most for themselves. They are just wasting our time."

Yesterday at least nine people were killed and 12 others wounded in the attack in Pacheragam, a district in Nangarhar province. In addition to the child bomber, the blast killed Malek Tor, commander of a pro-government militia, and two of his sons. Investigators believe Tor was the target because his group is opposed to the Islamic State group and the Taliban.

For now, no one has claimed responsibility, but the area is a stronghold of both extremist groups. But the attack seems to have brought a coup-de-grace to the road map for peace reached this week in Doha.

The agreement calls for respect and protection of the dignity of the people, lives and property, as well as an end to civilian victims. However, just a few hours after it was reached other attacks caused more victims, including children. (A.C.F.)

• afghanistan
• nangarhar
• attack
• intra-afghan talks
• taliban
• road map
• peace
• crisis
• attack
• child suicide bomber