Attack targeted a peaceful demonstration in the worst incident since 2011
Islamic State claimed responsibility for the brutal attack. As many as three attackers may have been involved at the event, which was called "a gathering of Shiites" by Islamic State spokesmen.
The demonstration was mainly by members of the mainly Shia Hazara minority.
"The explicit reference to the Hazara's Shia religious affiliation also represents a menacing departure for Afghanistan, where the bloody rivalry between Sunni and Shia typical of Iraq has been relatively rare, despite decades of war.
The Persian-speaking Hazara, estimated to make up about 9 percent of the population, are Afghanistan's third-largest minority but they have long suffered discrimination and thousands were killed under Taliban rule."
A Taliban spokesman condemned the attack, saying "We would never take part in any incident that divides the Afghan people."
The demonstrators were demanding the 500 kV transmission line from Turkmenistan to Kabul be rerouted through two provinces with large Hazara populations, an option the government says would cost millions and delay the badly needed project by years.
