Bomb explodes near Afghan election rally, killing 24, but president unhurt

KABUL, Afghanistan - At least 24 people were killed when a bomb exploded outside a campaign rally in Afghanistan's Parwan province, but President Ashraf Ghani was unhurt, said officials.

The bomb also wounded 32 people, including women and children, said Qasim Sangin, head of the Parwan province health department.

No one initially claimed the attack but it comes after a breakdown in peace talks with the rebel Taliban movement, which has warned Afghans not to vote.

Ghani is looking for a second five year presidential term in the Sept. 28 elections.

There has been heavy security at the campaign rallies around the country following the threats by the Taliban, who control nearly half the country.

Several months of talks between the Taliban and the United States, which backs the Afghan government, collapsed this month. Ghani's government was not involved in the talks and viewed them with skepticism.

In a separate attack, security officials reported a blast in the capital Kabul that killed at least three people.