Attack on Afghanistan's counterintelligence agency causes 20 dead

Kabul, Sep 19 (Prensa Latina) An attack on a counterintelligence facility in Afghanistan killed 20 people and wounded 93, government spokesman Gul Islam Sayal confirmed Thursday.

The attack claimed by Taliban groups took place in the city of Qalat, east of the capital, the source said.

The same armed group claimed responsibility the previous weekend for attacks that left dozens of victims in this capital, Charikar and Jalalabad, among other territories.

The Taliban refuse to establish direct peace talks with the government of President Ashraf Ghani, whom they consider a 'Washington puppet,' until the foreign troops present on Afghan soil are withdrawn.

At the beginning of August, the Taliban threatened to sabotage Sunday's presidential elections because they believe that foreign powers are manipulating the vote.

The attacks come after US President Donald Trump unilaterally cancelled negotiations with the Taliban after nearly a year of talks to reach an agreement that would end nearly two decades of conflict.

Afghanistan has experienced political, social and security instability since 2001, when the United States and its NATO allies invaded the territory in a supposed crusade against terrorism that has so far left thousands dead.