Saturday's blasts in the southern provincial capital appeared to have been caused by explosives planted at the stadium where nearly 1,000 people were celebrating Farmers Day. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed responsibility on Twitter for the explosions. The Persian new year is widely celebrated in Afghanistan but some hardline Islamists oppose the festivities, saying they are un-Islamic. Helmand, source of much of Afghanistan's opium, is one of several Afghan provinces in which insurgents have the greatest control and influence. The latest negotiating round wrapped up this month with both sides saying there was progress toward ending the 17-year war.

Source: Dhaka Tribune March 24, 2019 11:03 UTC