A suicide and gun attack on a police training centre in southeast Afghanistan on Tuesday has killed at least 32 people and wounded over 200, a hospital official said.
The victims include "women, students and police", Hedayatullah Hamidi, public health director in Gardez, the capital of Paktia province, told AFP.
The Taliban claimed responsibility in a tweet for the attack at the centre in Gardiz, capital of Paktia province, which borders Pakistan.
"At first a suicide bomber detonated a car filled with explosives near the training centre, making way for a number of attackers to start their assault", the interior ministry said in a statement.
A battle between the attackers, armed with guns and suicide vests, and security forces was under way inside the centre which is located near the Paktia police headquarters, according to the interior ministry statement.
A local official said two car bombs blew up near the compound that also houses the provincial headquarters of the national police, border police and Afghan National Army.
"A group of gunmen have entered the compound and fighting is ongoing," Allah Mir Bahram, a member of the Paktia provincial council, told AFP.
Pakistan has strongly condemned the terrorist attack that targeted the police training academy in the Gardez City of Paktia Province in Afghanistan in which many precious lives were lost while a number of innocent people were injured.
“We are deeply saddened and grieved at the loss of precious lives in the dastardly attack. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this brutal terrorist attack and to the government and the people of Afghanistan. We also pray for the speedy recovery of the wounded,” read the statement issued by foreign office of Pakistan Tuesday.
It added Pakistan reiterated its unequivocal condemnation of terrorism in all forms and manifestations and reaffirms its commitment for continued efforts and cooperation for eliminating this menace.
Chief of Army Staff, General Qamar Javed Bajwa has strongly condemned terrorist attack in Paktia, Afghanistan.
Inter Services Public Relations, the media wing of the military, said in a statement Tuesday, the Army Chief strongly condemned terrorist attack in Paktia and expressed grief on loss of innocent precious lives and injuries.
“Afghans are our brave brothers fighting against terrorism with great resolve. Through coordination and cooperation both countries shall defeat the common enemy for enduring peace and stability in the region,” General Bajwa was quoted as saying.
A suicide and gun attack on a police training centre in southeast Afghanistan on Tuesday killed at least 32 people and wounded over 200.
The victims include "women, students and police", said Hedayatullah Hamidi, public health director in Gardez, the capital of Paktia province.
