KABUL: The Islamic State group claimed a spectacular assault on Afghanistan’s largest military hospital that bore the hallmarks of the Taliban, prompting officials to voice misgivings as IS’s nascent presence in the country dwindles. IS claimed via its propaganda agency Amaq that its fighters dressed as doctors stormed the Sardar Daud Khan hospital in Kabul on Wednesday, reportedly killing around 50 people — hours after the Taliban denied responsibility. “We have leads and clues that contradict IS’s claim,” a senior Afghan security official told AFP. They are known to be comprised of disaffected Pakistani and Afghan Taliban, as well as Uzbek Islamists. The death toll from the hospital raid has risen to more than 50, with the fatalities including civilians, local Tolo News reported Thursday citing security sources.

Source: Manila Times March 10, 2017 18:26 UTC