Khowst polling center open despite insurgent grenade attack; voters undeterred

KHOWST PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Insurgents attacked the Saheed Muhammed Daud School polling center in Matun District, Khowst Province, wounding three civilians inside the compound Sept. 18.

Insurgents threw a grenade over the barrier wall into an area where voters were queuing to enter the voting center. 

Two election workers and one voter were wounded. Two men received minor wounds from shrapnel and the third man was seriously injured. The wounded were evacuated to Khowst hospital for further treatment. The civilians with minor injuries have been released. No information is available at this time about the condition of the man seriously injured in the attack.

Afghan Uniformed Police reacted immediately to the incident, securing the area to allow voting to continue despite the attack, said Khowst Provincial spokesman Mobariz Zadran.

As of midday, voters continued to arrive in steady numbers, said Zadran.
 
Voter turnout was strong throughout the day until the center closed at 4 p.m., said Zadran.

Afghan National Security Forces have investigated the incident and have not yet made any arrests in the attack.