At least 36 people were killed over 160 injured in a blast at a mosque during Friday prayers in Islamabad, officials said. Police stated that a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device at a Shia mosque in the Tarlai area, with eyewitnesses reporting gunfire before the explosion. Authorities declared an emergency as hospitals appealed for blood donations. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack and called for a thorough investigation. Pakistan’s defence minister alleged involvement by India and Afghanistan, claims rejected by both countries. The Islamic State later claimed responsibility, a claim not independently verified. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.


Pak Mosque Attack: Islamic State Claims Deadliest Bombing Incident in Islamabad That Killed 36 

The Taliban dictatorship in Afghanistan prevented hundreds of Shia mosques from holding Eid prayers on Tuesday.

Some Shia Muslims were also ordered to break their fast prior to the proclamation of Eid by their mosques, according to reports from the major cities of Herat and Kabul.

"#Taliban forces prohibited dozens of #Shia mosques from holding the #Eid prayer on Tuesday. Some Shia followers also reported of being forced to break their fast prior to Shia announcement of Eid. Shia activists has reported this violation of religious` rights in #Herat, #Kabul," a local journalist claimed on Twitter.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Taliban?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Taliban</a> forces prohibited dozens of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Shia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Shia</a> mosques from holding the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Eid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Eid</a> prayer on Tuesday. Some Shia followers also reported of being forced to break their fast prior to shia announcement of Eid. Shia activists has reported this violation of religious’ rights in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Herat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Herat</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kabul?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kabul</a>
— Massoud Hossaini (@Massoud151) <a href="https://twitter.com/Massoud151/status/1521518448974905344?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Human rights in Afghanistan have deteriorated significantly since the breakdown of the Afghan government and the Taliban's return to power in August of last year.

Despite the fact that the war in the country has finished, major human rights violations, particularly against women and minorities, continue unabated.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-rulers-fire-50-qualified-university-professors-to-replace-them-with-clerics-taliban-members-474882">Also read | Taliban fire 50 qualified university professors, to replace them with clerics &amp; own members</a> 
 
A succession of devastating bombs have plagued Afghanistan in recent weeks, primarily targeting minorities, with the most recent massive blast targeting a mosque in Kabul on Friday afternoon, killing at least 30 people and injuring many more.

The series of blasts and vulnerable security conditions, especially for the minorities has drawn worldwide condemnation, including from the United Nations (UN), the EU, US and others.

Afghanistan is also grappling with a serious humanitarian crisis as according to international assessments, Afghanistan has now the highest number of people in emergency food insecurity in the world, with more than 23 million in need of assistance, and approximately 95 per cent of the population having insufficient food consumption.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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The Taliban dictatorship in Afghanistan prevented hundreds of Shia mosques from holding Eid prayers on Tuesday. Some Shia Muslims were also ordered to break their fast prior to the proclamation of Eid by their mosques, according to reports from the major cities of Herat and Kabul.

The Taliban dictatorship in Afghanistan prevented hundreds of Shia mosques from holding Eid prayers on Tuesday. Some Shia Muslims were also ordered to break their fast prior to the proclamation of Eid by their mosques, according to reports from the major cities of Herat and Kabul. "#Taliban forces prohibited dozens of #Shia mosques from holding the #Eid prayer on Tuesday. Some Shia followers also reported of being forced to break their fast prior to Shia announcement of Eid. Shia activists has reported this violation of religious` rights in #Herat, #Kabul," a local journalist claimed on Twitter. #Taliban forces prohibited dozens of #Shia mosques from holding the #Eid prayer on Tuesday. Some Shia followers also reported of being forced to break their fast prior to shia announcement of Eid. Shia activists has reported this violation of religious’ rights in #Herat, #Kabul — Massoud Hossaini (@Massoud151) May 3, 2022 × Human rights in Afghanistan have deteriorated significantly since the breakdown of the Afghan government and the Taliban's return to power in August of last year. Despite the fact that the war in the country has finished, major human rights violations, particularly against women and minorities, continue unabated. Also read | Taliban fire 50 qualified university professors, to replace them with clerics & own members A succession of devastating bombs have plagued Afghanistan in recent weeks, primarily targeting minorities, with the most recent massive blast targeting a mosque in Kabul on Friday afternoon, killing at least 30 people and injuring many more. The series of blasts and vulnerable security conditions, especially for the minorities has drawn worldwide condemnation, including from the United Nations (UN), the EU, US and others. Afghanistan is also grappling with a serious humanitarian crisis as according to international assessments, Afghanistan has now the highest number of people in emergency food insecurity in the world, with more than 23 million in need of assistance, and approximately 95 per cent of the population having insufficient food consumption. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

No Eid for Shias? Taliban forces prohibit Shia mosques from holding Eid prayers: Reports

The recent devastating suicide bombing, targeted at a Shia Muslim mosque in Peshawar has marked the re-emergence of the dreaded Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) terror group in Pakistan. 
 
The IS-K claimed responsibility for the attack in which a suicide bomber blew himself up after entering into the mosque during Friday prayers, claiming lives of at least 63 and injuring over 200. 
 
It also claimed the terror attack just outside Kabul airport during the evacuation process of foreign forces was underway after the Taliban takeover, as well as many others on mosques and other places in Afghanistan, becoming the biggest opposition to the incumbent regime.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamic-state-claims-responsibility-for-peshawar-mosque-suicide-blast-that-killed-57-459183" hreflang="en">Islamic State claims responsibility for Peshawar mosque suicide blast</a>

Pakistan had been on consultation with the Afghan Taliban and working towards a joint strategy to counter terror threats from organisations operating along the two countries'&nbsp;border. 
 
The attack in Peshawar comes at a time when the country's Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) killed an IS-K commander named Bilal Khan, during a police encounter on January 19 this year. 
 
It is believed that the commander's killing activated many sleeper cells, associated with the terror group, who planned to respond with a major suicide attacks. 
 
It is believed that Bilal Khan, who was a member of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), joined the IS in 2015, pledging allegiance to Abu Bakar Al-Baghdadi, the group's slain leader. 
 
Experts believe that intelligence-based operations by Pakistani security agencies against terror elements, including the IS-K, have not only increased targeted attacks, but supporters of the Afghan Taliban have also come under deadly attacks in Peshawar.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-release-its-most-secretive-leader-sirajuddin-haqqanis-photos-for-the-first-time-459582">Taliban release its most secretive leader Sirajuddin Haqqani's photos for the first time</a> 
 
The emergence of the IS-K in the heart of Peshawar raises major concerns and a new set of challenges for the Pakistani authorities, as neighbouring Afghanistan conducts search operations in various parts, looking to neutralise the militants. 
 
Some reports also indicate that many IS-K militants have already fled Afghanistan and entered Pakistan, while sleeper cells of the group have also been activated. 
 
It is because of this reason that a major surge of terror attacks is being witnessed in Pakistan. 
 
According to data from Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies (PIPS), there were at least 207 incidents of terrorism in Pakistan in 2021, a 45 per cent increase over 2020. 
 
The TTP has also been carrying out targeted attacks in various parts of the country, adding on to the challenges Pakistani security forces are confronted with. 
 
Pakistan's Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed said that a fresh wave of terrorism has hit the country where the TTP is targeting policemen in major cities with an aim to breach and break the first line of defense.

Watch |&nbsp;Conference on Afghanistan: How can extremism be countered?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/conference-on-afghanistan-how-can-extremism-be-countered-459703/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

While the threat of terrorism looms, many believe that the IS-K can be a much bigger problem than the TTP. 
 
While negotiations with the TTP remains on the agenda of the Pakistani government, it is feared that disagreements among the TTP militants, as well as a deal with Islamabad, may push them towards joining the IS-K.

&nbsp;

The recent devastating suicide bombing, targeted at a Shia Muslim mosque in Peshawar has marked the re-emergence of the dreaded Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) terror group in Pakistan.

The recent devastating suicide bombing, targeted at a Shia Muslim mosque in Peshawar has marked the re-emergence of the dreaded Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) terror group in Pakistan. The IS-K claimed responsibility for the attack in which a suicide bomber blew himself up after entering into the mosque during Friday prayers, claiming lives of at least 63 and injuring over 200. It also claimed the terror attack just outside Kabul airport during the evacuation process of foreign forces was underway after the Taliban takeover, as well as many others on mosques and other places in Afghanistan, becoming the biggest opposition to the incumbent regime. Also read | Islamic State claims responsibility for Peshawar mosque suicide blast Pakistan had been on consultation with the Afghan Taliban and working towards a joint strategy to counter terror threats from organisations operating along the two countries' border. The attack in Peshawar comes at a time when the country's Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) killed an IS-K commander named Bilal Khan, during a police encounter on January 19 this year. It is believed that the commander's killing activated many sleeper cells, associated with the terror group, who planned to respond with a major suicide attacks. It is believed that Bilal Khan, who was a member of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), joined the IS in 2015, pledging allegiance to Abu Bakar Al-Baghdadi, the group's slain leader. Experts believe that intelligence-based operations by Pakistani security agencies against terror elements, including the IS-K, have not only increased targeted attacks, but supporters of the Afghan Taliban have also come under deadly attacks in Peshawar. Also read | Taliban release its most secretive leader Sirajuddin Haqqani's photos for the first time The emergence of the IS-K in the heart of Peshawar raises major concerns and a new set of challenges for the Pakistani authorities, as neighbouring Afghanistan conducts search operations in various parts, looking to neutralise the militants. Some reports also indicate that many IS-K militants have already fled Afghanistan and entered Pakistan, while sleeper cells of the group have also been activated. It is because of this reason that a major surge of terror attacks is being witnessed in Pakistan. According to data from Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies (PIPS), there were at least 207 incidents of terrorism in Pakistan in 2021, a 45 per cent increase over 2020. The TTP has also been carrying out targeted attacks in various parts of the country, adding on to the challenges Pakistani security forces are confronted with. Pakistan's Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed said that a fresh wave of terrorism has hit the country where the TTP is targeting policemen in major cities with an aim to breach and break the first line of defense. Watch | Conference on Afghanistan: How can extremism be countered? While the threat of terrorism looms, many believe that the IS-K can be a much bigger problem than the TTP. While negotiations with the TTP remains on the agenda of the Pakistani government, it is feared that disagreements among the TTP militants, as well as a deal with Islamabad, may push them towards joining the IS-K.

After Afghanistan, Islamic State-Khorasan set foot in Pakistan

Suicide bombing happened on March 4 in Pakistan’s Peshawar inside a Shia mosque. At least 57 people were killed and over 200 were injured in the blast.

What we know about suicide bombing in Pakistan’s Peshawar

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the suicide bomber attack at a Shiite mosque in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar that killed dozens of people and injured scores.

A statement posted by the group’s Amaq news agency on Friday said that two Islamic State fighters shot dead the guards of the mosque, broke in and blew themselves up between two groups of worshippers, one of which consisted of around 300 people.

At least 47 people were killed and 70 others injured in the explosion inside the mosque during the Friday prayers.

It was the second week in a row that militants bombed Friday prayers and killed dozens of worshippers.

The attack follows several other recent attacks against religious institutions in Afghanistan, including last week’s attack against the Gozar-e-Sayed Abad Mosque in Kunduz.&nbsp;

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has strongly condemned the horrendous terrorist attack.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-at-least-16-dead-as-blast-rocks-shiite-mosque-in-kandahar-420946">Afghanistan: At least 41 dead in Kandahar mosque blast, Taliban allege suicide bombing</a>

In a statement, the council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured.

Members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-syria-terrorists-actively-entering-afghanistan-vladimir-putin-420560">Iraq, Syria terrorists actively entering Afghanistan: Vladimir Putin&nbsp;</a>

"The members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice," the statement said. They urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard.&nbsp;

The United States also condemned the latest suicide attack. “We strongly condemn the attack on a Shia mosque in Kandahar today, the third such attack this month, and offer our condolences to the victims and their families. The Afghan people have the right to live and worship in peace and safety whichever religion or belief they choose," state department spokesperson Ned Price said in a tweet.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the suicide bomber attack at a Shiite mosque in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar that killed dozens of people and injured scores.

The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for the suicide bomber attack at a Shiite mosque in the southern Afghan city of Kandahar that killed dozens of people and injured scores. A statement posted by the group’s Amaq news agency on Friday said that two Islamic State fighters shot dead the guards of the mosque, broke in and blew themselves up between two groups of worshippers, one of which consisted of around 300 people. At least 47 people were killed and 70 others injured in the explosion inside the mosque during the Friday prayers. It was the second week in a row that militants bombed Friday prayers and killed dozens of worshippers. The attack follows several other recent attacks against religious institutions in Afghanistan, including last week’s attack against the Gozar-e-Sayed Abad Mosque in Kunduz. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has strongly condemned the horrendous terrorist attack. Also read | Afghanistan: At least 41 dead in Kandahar mosque blast, Taliban allege suicide bombing In a statement, the council expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, and they wished a speedy and full recovery to those who were injured. Members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations constitutes one of the most serious threats to international peace and security. Also read | Iraq, Syria terrorists actively entering Afghanistan: Vladimir Putin "The members of the Security Council underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of these reprehensible acts of terrorism accountable and bring them to justice," the statement said. They urged all States, in accordance with their obligations under international law and relevant Security Council resolutions, to cooperate actively with all relevant authorities in this regard. The United States also condemned the latest suicide attack. “We strongly condemn the attack on a Shia mosque in Kandahar today, the third such attack this month, and offer our condolences to the victims and their families. The Afghan people have the right to live and worship in peace and safety whichever religion or belief they choose," state department spokesperson Ned Price said in a tweet. (With inputs from agencies)

Islamic State claims responsibility for Shia mosque attack in Afghanistan

A suicide bomber in Dolaina district of Ghor provience in Afghanistan has killed and wounded a total of 30 people on Wednesday.

As per media reports, the explosion took place outside a Shia mosque, extending the thread of unprovoked attacks against Shias in the country.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Breaking?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Breaking</a> - suicide bomber targets mosque in Dolaina district of Ghor province. At least 30 dead and wounded <a href="https://t.co/KAzOmUVyaC">pic.twitter.com/KAzOmUVyaC</a>
&mdash; TOLO News Official (@T0loNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/T0loNews/status/921397736808812544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The bomber set off his explosives vest among people gathered tom offer players.&nbsp;

The Afghan security forces have cornored off the area and are carrying out the rescue operations.

Over 10 peole have been killed in the attack and 20 have been injured. The death toll is expected to rise, However, no official statement has confirmed the same. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The explosion took place outside a Shia mosque, extending the thread of attacks against Shias in the country

A suicide bomber in Dolaina district of Ghor provience in Afghanistan has killed and wounded a total of 30 people on Wednesday. As per media reports, the explosion took place outside a Shia mosque, extending the thread of unprovoked attacks against Shias in the country. #Breaking - suicide bomber targets mosque in Dolaina district of Ghor province. At least 30 dead and wounded pic.twitter.com/KAzOmUVyaC — TOLO News Official (@T0loNews) October 20, 2017 × The bomber set off his explosives vest among people gathered tom offer players. The Afghan security forces have cornored off the area and are carrying out the rescue operations. Over 10 peole have been killed in the attack and 20 have been injured. The death toll is expected to rise, However, no official statement has confirmed the same.

30 killed, injured after suicide bomber strikes Afghanistan mosque

A&nbsp;suicide&nbsp;bomber&nbsp;posing as a shepherd blew himself&nbsp;up&nbsp;near&nbsp;a&nbsp;Shiite&nbsp;mosque&nbsp;in&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;on Friday killing six people and injuring 16 others,&nbsp;police&nbsp;said, as Muslims prepare to celebrate one of the holiest events in the Islamic calendar.

The attack in the north of the Afghan capital happened as worshippers were gathered inside Hussainia&nbsp;mosque, one of the biggest&nbsp;Shiite&nbsp;centres in the city, for Friday prayers.&nbsp;

&quot;A&nbsp;suicide&nbsp;bomber&nbsp;who was grazing sheep has detonated himself outside&quot; the&nbsp;mosque, General Salim Almas, criminal investigative director of&nbsp;Kabul&nbsp;city, told AFP.

Kabul&#39;s Emergency hospital tweeted that it had received 19 wounded including four children.

A photo posted on Twitter has purportedly taken at the scene of the attack shows a man lying on the ground, covered in blood. A severed leg belonging to someone else is beside him.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility but Taliban and Islamic State jihadists, who belong to the rival Sunni branch of Islam, have repeatedly targeted the minority&nbsp;Shiite&nbsp;community in recent years.

A shopkeeper told AFP that the&nbsp;suicide&nbsp;bomber&nbsp;blew himself to bits after he was identified by suspicious civilian guards who had set&nbsp;up&nbsp;a checkpoint about 200 metres from the&nbsp;mosque.&nbsp;

Afghanistan has trained and armed more than 400 civilians to help protect&nbsp;Shiite mosques during the holy month of Muharram.

The attacker had apparently wanted to reach the&nbsp;mosque&nbsp;while worshippers were still inside the prayer hall.&nbsp;

Salim Shaheen, who had been inside the&nbsp;mosque&nbsp;at the time of the blast told AFP there were multiple casualties.

&quot;We were busy offering our Friday prayers when a big bang happened and we stopped prayers and rushed out,&quot; Shaheen told AFP.

Shaheen said, &quot;several people were killed and wounded&quot;. He and other bystanders took 15 people including six children to the hospital.

There had been fears insurgents would strike again as Shiites prepare to commemorate Ashura which falls this weekend and is the most important&nbsp;Shiite observance.

It falls on the 10th day of Muharram, which is the mourning period for the seventh-century killing of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.

The faithful gather to beat their chests and hit their backs with chains until they bleed in commemoration of Hussein&#39;s death.

But in recent years the sacred day has been marred by deadly violence.

A suicide bomber posing as a shepherd blew himself up near a Shiite mosque in Kabul on Friday killing six people and injuring 16 others, police said, as Muslims prepare to celebrate one of the holiest events in the Islamic calendar. The attack in the north of the Afghan capital happened as worshippers were gathered inside Hussainia mosque, one of the biggest Shiite centres in the city, for Friday prayers. "A suicide bomber who was grazing sheep has detonated himself outside" the mosque, General Salim Almas, criminal investigative director of Kabul city, told AFP. Kabul's Emergency hospital tweeted that it had received 19 wounded including four children. A photo posted on Twitter has purportedly taken at the scene of the attack shows a man lying on the ground, covered in blood. A severed leg belonging to someone else is beside him. There was no immediate claim of responsibility but Taliban and Islamic State jihadists, who belong to the rival Sunni branch of Islam, have repeatedly targeted the minority Shiite community in recent years. A shopkeeper told AFP that the suicide bomber blew himself to bits after he was identified by suspicious civilian guards who had set up a checkpoint about 200 metres from the mosque. Afghanistan has trained and armed more than 400 civilians to help protect Shiite mosques during the holy month of Muharram. The attacker had apparently wanted to reach the mosque while worshippers were still inside the prayer hall. Salim Shaheen, who had been inside the mosque at the time of the blast told AFP there were multiple casualties. "We were busy offering our Friday prayers when a big bang happened and we stopped prayers and rushed out," Shaheen told AFP. Shaheen said, "several people were killed and wounded". He and other bystanders took 15 people including six children to the hospital. There had been fears insurgents would strike again as Shiites prepare to commemorate Ashura which falls this weekend and is the most important Shiite observance. It falls on the 10th day of Muharram, which is the mourning period for the seventh-century killing of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed. The faithful gather to beat their chests and hit their backs with chains until they bleed in commemoration of Hussein's death. But in recent years the sacred day has been marred by deadly violence.

Kabul: 6 dead after suicide bomber blows himself up near Shia mosque

At least 27 people were killed and 64 wounded following a suicide attack&nbsp;on a Shia mosque in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Monday.

This is the latest in a series of attacks in Afghanistan&nbsp;claimed by Islamic State.

A rise in casualties is feared, a government spokesman said.

&quot;A blast was reported at around 12:30 pm in police district 6 of Kabul, we are still gathering the details,&quot; AFP reported interior ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi as saying.

Officials said the attack took place at the Baqir Olum mosque in the western part of the city, Reuters reported.

The attacker was with the worshippers when he decided to detonate the bomb, Afghan police told AFP.

The attack comes on a day when Shias were celebrating the occasion of Arbaeen, which marks the end of the 40-day mourning period after Ashura, which commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Muhammad and the founder of the Shia sect.

At least 15 wounded were taken to hospitals, the health ministry said.

&quot;I heard a blast and dust covered the whole mosque,&quot; said worshipper Nadir Ali.

&quot;When the dust settled down, I saw the mosque was full of flesh and blood. I was injured in my waist and had to crawl out of the mosque.&quot;

Another worshipper, Ali Jan, told AFP: &quot;I was in the mosque, the people were offering prayers. Suddenly I heard a bang and windows broke. I had no idea what had happened. I rushed out screaming.&quot;&nbsp;

President Ashraf Ghani said in a statement he strongly condemned the &quot;barbaric&quot; attack, which the UN called an &quot;atrocity&quot;.

(WION with inputs from agencies)

Around 35 people have been injured in the blast, with a rise in casualties feared

At least 27 people were killed and 64 wounded following a suicide attack on a Shia mosque in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Monday. This is the latest in a series of attacks in Afghanistan claimed by Islamic State. A rise in casualties is feared, a government spokesman said. "A blast was reported at around 12:30 pm in police district 6 of Kabul, we are still gathering the details," AFP reported interior ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi as saying. Officials said the attack took place at the Baqir Olum mosque in the western part of the city, Reuters reported. The attacker was with the worshippers when he decided to detonate the bomb, Afghan police told AFP. The attack comes on a day when Shias were celebrating the occasion of Arbaeen, which marks the end of the 40-day mourning period after Ashura, which commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of Prophet Muhammad and the founder of the Shia sect. At least 15 wounded were taken to hospitals, the health ministry said. "I heard a blast and dust covered the whole mosque," said worshipper Nadir Ali. "When the dust settled down, I saw the mosque was full of flesh and blood. I was injured in my waist and had to crawl out of the mosque." Another worshipper, Ali Jan, told AFP: "I was in the mosque, the people were offering prayers. Suddenly I heard a bang and windows broke. I had no idea what had happened. I rushed out screaming." President Ashraf Ghani said in a statement he strongly condemned the "barbaric" attack, which the UN called an "atrocity". (WION with inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan: Suicide attack on Kabul mosque kills 27

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