By Zabihullah Tamanna
KABUL, Afghanistan
A gun battle at an Afghan wedding party killed 21 people on Sunday night.
An argument led to a full-blown clash between armed guests as they exchanged fire in the Del Salah village in northern Baghlan province, officials said Monday.
Provincial police chief Abdul Jabbar Pordely said two children were among 21 killed and that another eight people were wounded.
"The groom and bride were not hurt, but unfortunately guests were killed," Pordely told Anadolu Agency. "An investigation team was sent to the area."
Pordely said those involved in the clash will be punished but that they have fled to nearby mountains to avoid being arrested.
The incident has raised concerns about the number of illegally armed people in Afghanistan who are seen to pose a security challenge to local and government institutions across Afghanistan.
The Afghan government's recent decision to arm locals against emerging threats from the Taliban and fighters claiming loyalty to Syria-based militant group Daesh, has been criticized by rights activists and observers.
