Kabul: An Islamic State suicide bomber struck at a mosque packed with Shiite Muslim worshippers in northern Afghanistan on Friday, killing at least 46 persons and wounding more than 140 in the latest security challenge to the Taliban as they transition from insurgency to governance.
In its claim of responsibility, the region’s IS affiliate identified the bomber as a Uygher Muslim, saying the attack targeted both Shiites and the Taliban for their purported willingness to expel Uyghers to meet demands from China. The statement was carried by the IS-linked Aamaq news agency.
The blast tore through a crowded mosque in the city of Kunduz during Friday noon prayers, the highlight of the Muslim religious week. It was the latest in a series of IS bombings and shootings that have targeted Afghanistan’s new Taliban rulers, as well as religious institutions and minority Shiites since US and NATO troops left in August.
The blast blew out windows, charred the ceiling and scattered debris and twisted metal across the floor. Rescuers carried one body out on a stretcher and another in a blanket. Blood stains covered the front steps.
The worshippers targeted in Friday’s were Hazaras, who have long suffered from double discrimination as an ethnic minority and as followers of Shiite Islam in a majority Sunni country. — Agencies
Pak calls for urgent aid for Afghanistan
Islamabad: Warning that any instability in Afghanistan could have severe implications for Pakistan, a high-level meeting of the country’s civilian and military leadership on Friday emphasised the urgent need for the international community to provide assistance to avert a humanitarian crisis in the war-torn neighbouring country. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan. PTI
Will protect Tajikistan in case of attack: Russia
Moscow: Russia is ready to protect its ally Tajikistan in the event of any incursions from neighbouring Afghanistan, a senior diplomat was quoted on Friday as saying, amid Russian media reports of a militant Tajik group preparing a cross-border attack. Tajiks are the second largest ethnic group in Afghanistan and make up a majority of the population in some areas close to the border with Tajikistan, a former Soviet republic. Reuters