Protesters in Kabul Demand Resignation of Government Leaders

Hundreds of people in Kabul marched towards the site of a deadly explosion that occurred in the center of the city on Wednesday, June 2, protesting against the leaders of the Afghan government. The protesters accused the Afghan government of 'incompetence' in ensuring security and demanded the resignation of the President and the Chief Executive of the country. The Kabul police fired live ammunition and tear gas to disperse the protesters, who retaliated by throwing stones at them. According to Reuters, some protesters held photos of family members or loved ones killed in the recent explosion. In the recent massive explosion in the secure area of central Kabul, where many government centers and embassies are located, over 90 people were killed and nearly 500 others were injured. This operation, which involved the explosion of a water tanker filled with explosives, is described as one of the most devastating explosions in Kabul in recent years, leaving significant casualties and destruction over a wide area. Kabul and other parts of Afghanistan have witnessed numerous explosions and armed operations in recent years, and the central government is struggling to ensure security. While no group, including the Taliban, has claimed responsibility for the recent explosion, the Taliban warned the Afghan President about 'retaliation' against prisoners associated with the group. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban, stated that Kabul officials would be responsible for any 'retaliation.' Afghan President Ashraf Ghani previously stated in response to the deadly attack on Wednesday that 11 imprisoned militants linked to the Haqqani network, a group associated with the Taliban facing the death penalty, would be punished. Meanwhile, the Taliban has denied involvement in the recent explosion in Kabul.