Blast at Afghan buzkashi match kills anti-Taliban militia leader, two others
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 20 January 2017 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Blast at Afghan buzkashi match kills anti-Taliban militia leader, two others, 20 January 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a47c3.html [accessed 17 September 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
January 20, 2017
An explosion in northern Afghanistan has killed at least three people outside a game of buzkashi – a popular, traditional equestrian sport in Afghanistan and Central Asia that is similar to polo but uses a goat or calf carcass instead of a ball.
The explosion was to the east of Mazar-e Shariff, in the Khulm District of Balkh Province, as spectators were leaving the buzkashi match.
Balkh Deputy Police Chief Abdul Razaq Qaderi said that the blast was caused by an improvised explosive device, which had been planted outside of the venue.
He said the target appeared to be a local anti-Taliban militia leader who was killed along with his bodyguard and a civilian.
Four other people were wounded by the explosion.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.
With reporting by AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website