Rockets fired at Afghanistan presidential palace ahead of Eid al-Adha

The rockets were reportedly fired near the heavily-fortified ‘Green Zone’ which houses the presidential palace and several other diplomatic missions, including the US embassy.

Key Highlights

• The attack took place ahead of a speech by President Ashraf Ghani as the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha begins

• President Ghani, unfazed by the attack, went ahead with his address to the nation amid tight security

• This is not the first time rockets were fired at the presidential palace, the last instance of it being in December 2020

Kabul: In a massive flare up amid withdrawal of military by the United States from the country, two rockets were fired at the Afghanistan presidential palace in Kabul ahead of a speech by President Ashraf Ghani as the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha begins.

Local reports claimed that the rockets were fired around 8:00 am (local time) near the heavily-fortified ‘Green Zone’ which houses the presidential palace and several other diplomatic missions, including the US embassy.

“Today the enemies of Afghanistan launched rocket attacks in different parts of Kabul city. All the rockets hit three different parts. Based on our initial information, we have no casualties. Our team is investigating,” the country’s interior ministry spokesman Mirwais Stanikzai said, according to news agency AFP.

However, Ghani went ahead with his address to the nation amid tight security and some top officials.

“The future of Afghanistan in Afghanistan is determined by Afghans. Afghans should prove in action that they are united. A firm stance by the people for the next three to six months will change the situation. Does Taliban have any ‘positive response’ to Afghans, especially to women?” Ghani said in his address.

According to TOLO News, the rockets were fired from Parwan-e-Se area and landed in Bagh-e-Ali Mardan and Chaman-e-Hozori areas of District 1 and Manabe Bashari area of District 2 in Kabul.

This is not the first time rockets have been fired at the palace, the last instance of it being in December last year.

The incident also coincides with a massive Taliban offensive across the country as foreign military forces, including the US and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization wrap up the mega troop withdrawal which is expected to conclude by August 31.