Afghanistan, US blame Taliban for deadly Kabul attack

Abdullah Abdullah, Afghan Chief Executive, has said the Taliban were mainly responsible for Monday's deadly attack in capital Kabul that left dozens dead, Afghan media reported.

At least 40 people were killed while 27 more wounded when attackers stormed Public Works Ministry and National Authority for PWDs and Martyrs’ Families in Kabul. Most of the casualties were civilians.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack which comes as US has stepped up diplomatic efforts for reconciliation.

Taliban denied involvement in the attack. CE Abdullah, however, said that the Taliban were mainly responsible for it.

“Taliban don’t dare to hold face-to-face negotiations (with the Afghan government), Taliban countries providing safe haven to them are stubborn in carrying terrorist operations,” Abdullah said.

Dave Butler, a spokesman for US forces in Afghanistan, also blamed the Taliban for the violence. He said that the group “creates anarchy and end up killing Afghans.”

“Get control of your brain washed terrorists, be part of the solution,” Butler said on his Twitter account.

“Your last two attacks targeted religious leaders and people who help disabled kids. You don’t get to deny responsibility. This is yours, end the violence,” Butler added referring to an attack on a religious event in Kabul in November that killed over 50.