A massive suicide car bomb blast in Afghanistan’s southern province of Helmand has killed at least 29 people and wounded more than 60 others.

Witnesses said soldiers and government employees had gathered outside the New Kabul Bank in the provincial capital of Lashkargah to collect their salaries when the bomber struck them.

A provincial government spokesman, Omar Zwak, told VOA some of those wounded “are in critical condition.” He added that civilian and military personnel were among the victims.

The deadly bombing came ahead of Sunday’s Eid festival in Afghanistan, which marks the end of the holy Islamic fasting month of Ramadan.

There were no immediate claims of responsibility.

Brig. General Roger Turner, commander of the U.S.-led Task Force Southwest, condemned the attack. “This cowardly attack targeted innocent people as they lined up to get their salaries in preparation for the Eid al-Fitr celebrations,” Turner said.  “Once again, the enemy has shown complete disregard for innocent civilians with an indiscriminate attack, causing death and suffering.”

Helmand is the largest Afghan province where most of the territory is controlled or influenced by the Taliban.
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