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DOUBLE SUICIDE BLAST

ISIS attack in Afghanistan kills 80 and wounds 230 during strike on protest march

Ferocious attack even condemned by hardline Taliban, while a would-be third bomber is killed by security forces

ISIS have claimed responsibility for a double suicide bombing in Afghanistan's capital Kabul which has killed 80 and wounded 230 people.

The attack happened shortly after midday during a protest march, with bombers targeting the Shia Hazara minority sect.

 An injured man cries in despair after the attack in Kabul, Afghanistan
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An injured man cries in despair after the attack in Kabul, AfghanistanCredit: EPA

The ISIS-backed Amaq news agency claimed: "Two fighters from Islamic State detonated explosive belts at a gathering of Shi'ites in the city of Kabul in Afghanistan."

Charred bodies of the victims could be seen on the streets in the aftermath of the attack, believed to be the largest ever ISIS has ever committed in Afghanistan.

The death toll is expected to rise.

 A man from Hazara minority reacts after a suicide bomb attack in Kabul
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A man from Hazara minority reacts after a suicide bomb attack in KabulCredit: EPA

Afghan president Ashraf Ghani spoke on national television to declare a day of national mourning.

He vowed: "I promise you I will take revenge against the culprits."

 Afghan president Ashraf Ghani
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Afghan president Ashraf GhaniCredit: AP:Associated Press

"Peaceful protest is the right of every citizen, but opportunist terrorists infiltrated the crowds and carried out the attack."

The march had been protesting against plans for a new power line which is planned to be built through the area in which many of the victims lived.

The protests and the attack, a sign of increase in sectarian violence in the country, place pressure on Ghani's administration which has faced criticism in recent months.

The atrocity was even condemned by the Taliban, with spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid releasing a statement: "We would never take part in any incident that divides the Afghan people."

A third attacker was killed by security forces before he could detonate his suicide belt.

 An Afghan man talks on his phone after a suicide attack in Kabul
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An Afghan man talks on his phone after a suicide attack in KabulCredit: Reuters
 Afghans look at property left behind by victims
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Afghans look at property left behind by victimsCredit: AP:Associated Press

ISIS has a presence in eastern Afghanistan but has not previously struck in the capital city Kabul.

The terrorist group are estimated to have up to 3,000 fighters in the country and this attack suggests they are ramping up their operations.

The Shia Hazara sect is the third largest in the country, making up around 15 per cent of it's population.

The sect have previously been targeted by different groups, and have even campaigned for better protection.

Attacks in Kabul

This blast which killed at least 80 is the worst in Afghanistan's capital Kabul since 2011.
This April the Taliban killed 60 when they launched an attack on an office used by security services.
A twin attack five years ago also killed 80 people, targeting a holy shrine in the city.
In 2008, 41 people died during an attack on the Indian Embassy.

The attack echoes the deadly blasts in Iraq's capital Baghdad earlier this month, targeting a shopping centre, with more than 150 people killed.

It is the latest in a series of ISIS backed attacks this month.

More than 80 people were also killed in Nice, France a fortnight ago when an ISIS truck driver mowed down crowds celebrating the nation's Bastille Day.

And in Germany, and Afghan boy inspired by ISIS targeted commuters on a train by attacking them with an axe, killing four.

 Afghans help a man who was injured in a deadly explosion in Kabul
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Afghans help a man who was injured in a deadly explosion in KabulCredit: AP:Associated Press
 A truck, used by some leaders of a protest march, is damaged after a deadly explosion
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A truck, used by some leaders of a protest march, is damaged after a deadly explosionCredit: AP:Associated Press
 An injured man is rushed to hospital for treatment after the attack in Kabul
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An injured man is rushed to hospital for treatment after the attack in KabulCredit: AP:Associated Press
 Afghan riot police standing guard before the suicide blasts
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Afghan riot police standing guard before the suicide blastsCredit: Getty Images
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