Lashkargah, Afghanistan — Twenty people were killed on Thursday when a powerful car bomb struck a bank in Afghanistan’s Lashkargah city as government employees were queueing to withdraw salaries, the latest bloody attack during the holy month of Ramadan. At least 50 wounded people were rushed to hospital after the bombing at New Kabul Bank which upturned vehicles, left the area littered with charred debris and sent a plume of smoke rising in the sky. No group has claimed responsibility for the brazen attack, but it comes as the Taliban ramps up its nationwide spring offensive despite government calls for a ceasefire during Ramadan. "The blast killed 20 people and left 50 others wounded, both civilians and military officials," government spokesman Omar Zwak said, warning that the toll could rise. The bomb tore through a queue of civilians and government employees who had lined up outside the bank to collect their salaries. The bank is believed to have been especially crowded ahead of...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.