Suicide bombing at mosque in Afghanistan kills at least 29
Aug 3, 2018
Two suicide bombers have attacked a Shiite mosque in eastern Afghanistan during Friday prayers, killing at least 29 people and wounding another 81
KABUL, Afghanistan — Two suicide bombers attacked a Shiite mosque in eastern Afghanistan during Friday prayers, killing at least 29 people and wounding another 81, officials said.
Abdullah Asrat, spokesman for the governor of Paktia province, said the heavily armed attackers, disguised in the all-encompassing burkas worn by conservative Afghan women, opened fire on private security guards outside the mosque in the city of Gardez. Then they slipped inside and set off their explosives among around 100 worshippers.
Five of the seriously wounded were small children, he said.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but the Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan has targeted Shiite worshippers in the past. The group has also warned Afghanistan's minority Shiites that their houses of worship would be targeted.
Syed Sufi Gardezi, the most senior Shiite cleric in Gardez, put the death toll at 30. He described a scene of panic and distress outside the Imam-e-Zaman mosque as news of the explosion spread and relatives gathered.
Gardezi said the wounded were screaming for help and body parts of the dead were scattered throughout the single story mosque. The dead were all men and boys, he said.
Dr. Mohammad Wali Roshan, a physician at a local hospital, said some of the relatives, armed with sticks and guns, were furious at the lack of security and began beating people, even medical personnel who arrived to help the wounded.
"They were shouting that there was no security and screaming for their loved ones," he told The Associated Press in a telephone interview.
Gardezi blamed the Islamic State affiliate. He said the Taliban have a strong presence in the area but have never attacked Shiites in the past and have never threatened them.
Both the Taliban and the Islamic State group are made up of radical Sunni Muslims who want to overthrow the Western-backed government and impose a harsh form of Islamic law. But they are fiercely divided over leadership, ideology and tactics, and have clashed on a number of occasions. IS views Shiites as apostates deserving of death.
In the last two years, IS has attacked 24 Shiite cultural centers, mosques and schools, said Mohammad Jawad Ghawary, a member of the Shiite cleric council.
"In Afghanistan they are the biggest threat for Shiites," he said. He called on the Afghan government and the international community to do more to protect Shiites.
MORE NEWS
GK: Which Country Hosted The First Asian Games?
The Asian Games are one of the major multi sport event in Asia ehich brings together athletes from different countries to compete in various sports.
Asian Games 2026 Live Updates, Day 14: India Lead China 1-0 In Women's Hockey Gold Medal Match
Asian Games 2026, October 2 Live Updates: Follow all the latest updates from the 14th day of the event with Indian contingent in action across various sports.
Govt absorbing up to Rs 2,700 per urea bag as global costs rise to Rs 3,000: Nirmala Sitharaman
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the Centre absorbs a significant urea subsidy for farmers. This subsidy currently stands at approximately Rs 2,700 for each bag of urea. Sitharaman emphasised the government's commitment to providing essential farm inputs despite rising global prices. Additionally, her remarks highlighted ongoing efforts to support agricultural investment in Andhra Pradesh. These initiatives aim to ensure that farmers receive necessary resources and maintain economic stability.
Carlo Ancelotti has Ryan Williams on his radar ahead of India vs Brazil friendly
Carlo Ancelotti has Ryan Williams on his radar ahead of India vs Brazil friendly
SIR: CM DK Shivakumar hails ECI special drive to enrol voters claiming victory after dharna
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar welcomed the Election Commission of India's decision for a nationwide voter enrollment drive. This initiative aims to include left-out voters and first-time electors, ensuring their voting rights are protected. The Election Commission has directed various officials to compare electoral rolls and facilitate the registration process. Awareness campaigns will also be launched to engage communities and improve voter participation.
Bezos Earth Fund’s $26 million FireSat could detect 15-by-15-foot fires anywhere on Earth within 20 mins: Lauren Sánchez Bezos says, ‘I watched friends and family lose everything’
FireSat is a new satellite network designed to detect wildfires early and provide timely data. This constellation, backed by Jeff Bezos, aims to identify fires as small as 15 feet globally with approximately 50 satellites in orbit within 20 minutes anywhere on Earth. Jeff Bezos' wife Lauren Sanchez said FireSat is an investment worth betting on to safeguard communities and preserve nature.
Weakest monsoon since 2015 prompts ICRA to cut FY27 farm growth forecast
In 2026, the Southwest monsoon recorded rainfall at 87 percent of the long-period average, the lowest since 2015. ICRA has lowered its agriculture growth forecast for FY27 to approximately 1 percent from 1.3 percent due to inadequate rains. Kharif sowing has decreased by 1.2 percent compared to last year, with rice and cotton crops showing notable reductions. Reservoir storage levels have significantly declined, raising concerns for the upcoming rabi season.
Ozone Urbana MD S Vasudevan remanded in ED custody in Rs 927-cr fraud case
S Vasudevan, chairman of Ozone Urbana Infra Developers, was arrested for alleged money laundering activities. The Enforcement Directorate claims he cheated homebuyers out of nearly Rs 927.22 crore by failing to deliver apartments. Investigations reveal that the company collected funds but did not refund deposits to buyers. The ED has also attached properties worth Rs 423.37 crore during the investigation.
Ozone Urbana MD S Vasudevan remanded in ED custody in Rs 927-cr fraud case
S Vasudevan, chairman of Ozone Urbana Infra Developers, was arrested for alleged money laundering activities. The Enforcement Directorate claims he cheated homebuyers out of nearly Rs 927.22 crore by failing to deliver apartments. Investigations reveal that the company collected funds but did not refund deposits to buyers. The ED has also attached properties worth Rs 423.37 crore during the investigation.