Updated | Dozens killed as ISIS suicide bomb rips through Kabul demonstration

ISIL reportedly claims responsibility as casualty figures continue to climb after protest against routing of government energy project power line is hit by at least one bomber.

Last updated on 23 July 2016, 2:44pm

1 min read

A suicide bomber has killed at least 29 and injured over 170 people when he detonated his deadly payload at a demonstration in Kabul, less than an hour ago. Casualty figures are mounting.

At least one explosion has rocked a mass demonstration in the Afghan capital, Kabul, with TOLOnews TV network reporting two blasts.

Interior Ministry officials told foreign news organisations that the blast was caused by a suicide bomber. The suicide bomber reportedly detonated explosives right among demonstrators at Saturday's rally.

The crowd was gathered to protest over the Afghan government's planned 500kV power line project. Authorities want to run the power line to Kabul hrough Northeastern Afghanistan, but protestors wanted the line diverted through the city of Bamiyan in central Afghanistan.

The Islamist terrorist organisation ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant), also known as ISIS, is reported to have claimed responsibility for the blast.