2nd LD Writethru: Death toll rises to 26 in IS-claimed Afghan ceasefire celebration blast

JALALABAD, Afghanistan –At least 26 people were killed after a suicide car bombing struck a crowd celebrating ceasefire during Eid festival in Afghanistan's eastern province of Nangarhar on Saturday, a provincial official said. 

The Islamic State-linked "Amaq" news website has claimed in an online Arabic language statement that an IS fighter launched the attack which occurred during the gathering on the outskirts of provincial capital Jalalabad city. Those among the victims were Taliban militants, civilians and members of Afghan security forces. Some 54 people were wounded. 

The Afghan government and Taliban agreed for a temporary ceasefire during Eid-ul-Fitar, the second largest Muslim festival. Earlier on Saturday, in a surprise move, hundreds of Taliban fighters entered big Afghan cities to visit and celebrate Eid with their relatives. 

Afghan Interior Minister Waiz Ahmad Barmak also met and talked with Taliban militants in western Kabul on Saturday, according to local media reports. Also on Saturday, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani decided to extend the ceasefire, which was expected to end on Tuesday, for an unknown period of time. Enditem 
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