At least seven people were killed and around 40 others injured after a blast struck a Shiite mosque during Friday prayers in Afghanistan, TOLO News reported. The incident occurred in the Pol-e-Khomri - the provincial capital of Baghlan.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but blame is likely to fall on the Islamic State (IS) group, which targeted Afghanistan's minority Shiites in past large-scale attacks. The regional affiliate of IS increased attacks on mosques and minorities across the country after the Taliban seized power in August 2021.
Taliban faces IS challenge
Islamic State, which has operated in Afghanistan since 2014, is seen as the greatest security challenge facing the country's Taliban rulers. Following their takeover, the Taliban launched a sweeping crackdown against the militant group.
Blast in Afghanistan hotel
Earlier in August this year, an explosion at a city hotel in Afghanistan's Khost province claimed the lives of three people and wounded seven others. The hotel is said to be frequented by Afghan people and Pakistani refugees coming from the militant stronghold of North Waziristan. No group claimed responsibility behind the blast, although the Taliban regime in Afghanistan blamed the regional affiliate of the Islamic State group for the attack.
(With inputs from AP)
ALSO READ: Afghanistan: 3 killed, 7 injured in blast at hotel frequented by Pakistani refugees in Khost province
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