Rocket Launcher Falls Near Presidential Palace During Afghan Islamic Festival

Rocket artillery fired during truce negotiations
Large explosion broadcast live... Injuries not yet confirmed

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] A terrorist attack occurred when a rocket launcher fell near the presidential palace in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan, during the celebration of 'Eid al-Adha,' the largest Islamic festival. Concerns are rising that this incident may negatively affect the ongoing ceasefire talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government.

According to foreign media including AFP on the 20th (local time), a rocket launcher fell near the Kabul presidential palace during the 'Eid al-Adha' festival. The event was being broadcast live by Afghan TV channels, allowing the entire nation to watch in real time.

Although it is not yet known if there were any casualties, attendees including President Ashraf Ghani reportedly stopped their prayers after hearing multiple explosions. AFP reported that around 8 a.m., rocket launcher sounds were heard in the Green Zone, where the presidential palace and various embassies including the U.S. embassy are located, stating that at least two rockets were fired.

Speculation is rampant regarding the perpetrators behind this rocket attack, which occurred while ceasefire negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban are still ongoing, raising concerns that it may adversely affect the talks.

Previously, the Afghan government and the Taliban failed to reach a peace agreement in Doha, Qatar, but announced that talks would resume next week. Although bilateral peace negotiations have made no progress, the ceasefire negotiations, which include the release of 7,000 Taliban prisoners and a three-month truce, have reportedly advanced significantly.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.