At least 16 people are reported to have been killed and another 32 injured after an explosion targeted a Shia mosque during Friday prayers in the Afghan city of Kandahar.
The explosion took place in Fatemieh mosque, leaving a trail of devastation. Visuals of shattered windows and bodies lying on the floor have gone viral on social media.
According to news agency AFP, there were three explosions at three different location of the mosque. The first explosion reportedly targeted the main door, while the second was near where worshippers performed wudhu (an exercise to wash hands, face and feet before the prayers).
Special forces deployed by the ruling Taliban government have taken control of the site of the explosion as they urged people to donate blood to help victims. Qari Saeed Khosti, the Interior Minister’s spokesperson, said that authorities were collecting details about the blast.
Last week, more than 50 people were killed when a suicide bomber targeted a Shia mosque during Friday prayers in the northern city of Kunduz. The Islamic State had claimed the responsibility for that attack. Correspondents say that the same group was likely to claim the responsibility even for today’s attack.
A report by the BBC said that the Islamic State was the most violent jihadist group operating in Afghanistan. The terrorist group has been opposed the ruling Taliban in the country.