Deadly twin bombing kills 20, injures 70 at Afghan police training centre

Kabul, October 17: At least 20 people were killed and 70 injured after militants attacked a police training centre in Afghanistan’s Gardez district. The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The compound at Gardez in Paktia province contains the headquarters of the national police, border police, and Afghan National Army. The victims include women, students and police, Gardez public health director Hedayatullah Hamidi told AFP news agency.

The deputy governor, Abdul Wali Sahee, said more than 20 people have been killed and over 70 wounded. The number of attackers is unknown.

The incident started shortly after 9.30 am local time and ended at about 1:30pm, according to the Ministry of Interior.

Security officials said two vehicles were used in the attack - one truck bomb and one Humvee 'bomb'. The target was the police training college.

Police officials said both police personnel and civilians are among the victims. They said dozens of civilians were at the center to collect passports and other documents. Extensive damage was also done to the buildings in the surrounding area.