“These are preliminary numbers and we cannot identify number of men and women yet,” Kawusi added.

Two Islamic State fighters carried out the twin-bomb attack in Kabul, a statement released by the terrorist group’s affiliated Aamaq News Agency has claimed.

The explosions, which targeted protesters in Kabul, killed at least 20 people and wounded 160 others, Health Ministry Spokesman, Ismail Kawusi, said.

“These are preliminary numbers and we cannot identify number of men and women yet,” Kawusi added.

The protest was being held in connection to CASA-1000, a project to build a 1,222-kilometre power transmission line to transport electricity from Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan through the country to Pakistan and India.

The casualties include Afghan security forces providing security for the protest, according to an email from the Afghan presidential palace. (dpa/NAN)