18 September

Further violence has erupted in Afghanistan in the run-up to the presidential election. A bomb blast Tuesday near a campaign rally for President Ashraf Ghani has killed at least 25 people. Reports say Ghani was unhurt.

More than 30 were injured at the rally in Parwan province. Women and children are reportedly among the casualties. The Taliban militant group has claimed responsibility.

Officials say Ghani was scheduled to address the gathering. He's running for a second term in the September 28 election.

The Taliban have also claimed responsibility for a separate bomb explosion near the US Embassy in Kabul. Police say at least six people died.The militant group has warned it will target polling stations and rallies.

nhk