A bomb blast in Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province in northern Afghanistan, killed one person and injured eight others, including journalists, on Saturday. The explosion took place in the morning at an event at Tabyan Cultural Center, where journalists were to be honored. Five journalists and three children were among the wounded.

This comes amid a series of bombings and killings in the region. In another bomb blast on Saturday evening, a woman was killed and five others were wounded in an IED blast in Mazar-e-Sharif city. Earlier that day, at least two security force members were killed in separate blasts in the northern province of Balkh and the eastern province of Paktika.

No group has claimed responsibility for the blasts, but the Taliban has been active in the region and has carried out attacks in the past.

Media-supporting organizations and journalists have condemned the attack and called for the protection of journalists. Masror Lutfi, a member of Afghanistan’s Journalists Union, said, “Today’s blast in Balkh that also caused injuries to a number of journalists and media employees, is really concerning. It had a negative impact on the morale of the media community.”

The attacks have also led to protests from relatives of the victims. On Saturday, protesters gathered outside the UNAMA office in Mazar-e-Sharif, accusing the Taliban of murdering innocent people.

The situation in Afghanistan remains unstable, with various factions vying for control of the country. The attacks on journalists and civilians highlight the need for greater security measures and protection for those working in the media.

In conclusion, the recent bomb blasts in northern Afghanistan have caused significant loss of life and injury to journalists and civilians. The attacks are a reminder of the ongoing instability and violence in the region and the need for greater security measures to protect journalists and civilians.