A powerful blast rocked the Afghan city of Puli Alam hours before a three-day ceasefire between the Taliban militant group and the Afghan government was set to begin for the Eid al-Adha festival, killing at least 17 people and injuring 21 others. According to Dedar Lawang, a spokesperson for the governor of the Logar province in which Puli Alam is located, the attack is believed to have been carried out by a suicide car bomber. The explosion took place near the governor's office, where many civilians were shopping for the festival.

Taliban militant group spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has denied responsibility for the attack, saying that the attack has "nothing to do" with the Taliban. Meanwhile, the Islamic State militant group has not yet commented on the attack.  

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