Blasts Interrupt Afghanistan Presidential Inauguration

A series of blasts interrupted a speech by Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani in Kabul on March 9, shortly after he’d taken the oath of office for a second five-year term.

Video of Ghani’s speech shows him continue talking as the blasts are heard, even as some gathered in attendance flee. Another video by Tolo News showed a vehicle nearby to where Ghani was speaking was damaged.

Ghani’s spokesman said “Everyone is safe, no one hurt.”

On the same day in Kabul, Ghani’s rival Abdullah Abdullah was also sworn in as president, both having claimed victory in last month’s election. Credit: TOLONews via Storyful