Line of Fire

Nine Journalists Among 25 Dead in Kabul Double Suicide Bombing

Targeted members of the press that rushed to the scene.

Nine journalists have been killed in a double suicide bombing in Afghanistan’s capital city, Kabul, in attacks that left 25 dead. The Agence France-Presse news agency confirmed its chief photographer, Shah Marai, was killed in the attack as well as two journalists from TV, one from Tolo news and one from Jahan TV, which are all Afghan news channels. Radio Free Europe said two of its own and one incoming hire died in the blasts, and BBC News confirmed the death of Afghan reporter Ahmad Shah after he was shot dead in the Khost province. Eleven children are also reported to be among the dead. Kabul police spokesman Hashmat Stanikzai said the second explosion came shortly after the first, and targeted reporters who had rushed to the scene. “The bomber disguised himself as a journalist and detonated himself among the crowd,” he said. The Afghan interior ministry confirmed the death toll and added 49 people had been wounded, creating fears the number of deaths could rise further. The Islamic State terror group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Marai leaves behind six children, including a newborn daughter. “This is a devastating blow, for the brave staff of our close-knit Kabul bureau and the entire agency,” AFP Global News Director Michele Leridon said.