Roundup: Afghans observe Eid al-Adha festival amid tight security

The war-weary Afghans celebrated Eid al-Adha, one of the largest annual religious festivals, across the insurgency-riddled country amid tight security on Monday.

Security forces had been deployed in all sensitive areas including big mosques where faithful Afghans used to offer Eid al-Adha prayer.

To celebrate Eidul Adha in a peaceful environment, the Afghan government had put in place all security measures elsewhere in the country.

However, anti-government militants in attempts to disrupt festivities targeted a hospital in Taliban's former stronghold of the southern Kandahar province on Monday, but the security forces after two hours of fighting brought the situation under control.

"Two armed militants sneaked into a government-run health clinic, the Mir Wais hospital in Kandahar city at around 11:00 a.m. local time (0630 GMT), triggering gun battle. However, the security forces after around two hours of fire exchange have killed both the attackers," deputy to Kandahar police chief Rahmatullah Atrafi told Xinhua.

During the firefight, according to the official, one patient was killed and two security personnel sustained injuries.

Earlier in the day, a terrorist strapped with explosive devices who was attempting to target the governor of the northern Saripul province, had been gunned down by security personnel before reaching the governor.

President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani, in his message to congratulate Eid al-Adha to Afghans and Muslims, said the prime need of Afghans is embracing lasting peace and Afghans are hopeful to see the end of war and restoring peace and stability in their country.

Afghan observers believe that celebrating the Eid al-Adha festival in a peaceful environment on Monday amid Taliban-led militancy in the country, virtually demonstrates the security forces' ability in preventing insurgent groups from launching major attacks. Endit