Afghanistan: Suicide bombers strike near Shi'ite mosque in Kabul during Friday prayers
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 30 September 2017 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Afghanistan: Suicide bombers strike near Shi'ite mosque in Kabul during Friday prayers, 30 September 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5a9fb842a.html [accessed 5 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Last Updated: September 30, 2017 07:05 GMT
Afghan authorities say suicide attackers detonated a bomb near a large Shi'ite mosque in Kabul on September 29, killing at least six people and wounding more than 20 as worshippers prepared to commemorate Ashura, the holiest celebration in the Shi'ite religious calendar.
The attack targeted Kabul's northern Qala-e Fatehullah neighborhood near the Hassainya mosque as worshippers were observing Friday Prayers.
The extremist group Islamic State claimed responsibilty for the attack on its Amaq news site.
Security officials said at least two attackers were killed as they carried out an operation that appeared to be aimed at hitting the mosque just a month after 20 people were killed during prayers at another Shi'ite mosque in Kabul.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani condemned the violence, saying the attackers cannot shake the unity of the Afghan people with their "inhumane and irreligious" attacks.
A local affiliate of IS has claimed several previous attacks against Shi'ite targets in Kabul in recent years.
Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
