The death toll in a suicide bombing claimed by Islamic State during a ceasefire celebration in Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province has climbed to 36, an official said on Sunday.
At least 65 others were injured in the Saturday afternoon incident that took place in a township in Rodat district as Taliban militants, Afghan government forces and civilians celebrated Eid holidays as well as the second day of a ceasefire, Dr Najibullah Kamawal, the
public health director of Nangarhar, told dpa.
Victims included Taliban fighters, security forces and civilians, a spokesman for the governor of Nangarhar province and a provincial council member had said on Saturday.
The incident took place as Afghan President Ashraf Ghani announced that the government's eight-day ceasefire with Taliban militants will be extended.
Ghani said the truce will now continue beyond the Eid holiday, with Afghan security forces halting all offensives against the Taliban.
He did not say how much longer the government's unilateral ceasefire would last. Its original eight-day ceasefire is set to end on Wednesday.
Ghani also requested that the Taliban extend their ceasefire, during which the Afghan government will provide medical assistance to wounded Taliban fighters and allow militant fighters to visit their families.
The Taliban has only agreed to a three-day cessation of hostilities, which began late on Thursday to coincide with Eid celebrations.
It has yet to comment on the new offer by the Afghan president.
![Taliban stand as Afghan security forces ride on an army vehicle during a ceasefire in Bati Kot district of Nangarhar province on Saturday. Taliban stand as Afghan security forces ride on an army vehicle during a ceasefire in Bati Kot district of Nangarhar province on Saturday.](https://www.gulf-times.com/uploads/imported_images/Upload/Slider/620181795946588676786.jpg)
Taliban stand as Afghan security forces ride on an army vehicle during a ceasefire in Bati Kot district of Nangarhar province on Saturday.