Number of deaths in Afghanistan wedding attack rises to 80

The new toll was confirmed as the US envoy negotiating with the Taliban for an end to nearly 18 years of fighting in Afghanistan is returning to Qatar to resume the talks with the insurgents.

At least 80 people were killed and scores wounded in an explosion targeting a wedding in the Afghan capital, the deadliest attack in Kabul in recent months. | ( Photo | AFP ) 

KABUL: An Afghan official says the death toll in a suicide bombing at a wedding in Kabul claimed by the local Islamic State affiliate has risen to 80.

The initial death toll in Saturday's blast was 63.

Interior Ministry spokesman Nusrat Rahimi said on Wednesday that 17 civilians have died from their wounds in recent days.

He says 30 people were in critical condition after the attack.

The new toll was confirmed as the United States envoy negotiating with the Taliban for an end to nearly 18 years of fighting in Afghanistan is returning to Qatar to resume the talks with the insurgents.

Concerns are growing that the IS threat will mean little peace for Afghan civilians despite the US-Taliban negotiations to end America's longest war.