IS claims responsibility for Afghan mosque attack
Oct 21, 2017
Islamic State group claims responsibility for suicide bombing at Shiite mosque in Afghan capital that killed at least 39
KABUL, Afghanistan — The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in the capital as Afghan officials on Saturday raised the number of casualties from the attack to at least 39 dead and at least 41 wounded.
In a statement on its website late Friday, IS said claimed its fighter Abu Ammar al-Turkmani "detonated his explosive vest among the apostates" during Friday prayers in the Imam Zaman mosque in western Kabul.
The attack was one of two on mosques in the troubled, war-torn country. A suicide bombing in western Ghor province struck a Sunni mosque, also during Friday prayers, killing 33 people, including a warlord who was apparently the target, said Mohammad Iqbal Nizami, spokesman for the provincial chief of police.
The attacks were the latest in a devastating week that saw Taliban attacks kill scores across the country.
The so-called Islamic State in Afghanistan has taken responsibility for most of the attacks targeting Shiites, a minority in Afghanistan whom the Sunni extremist group considers to be apostates. Earlier this year, following an attack claimed by IS on the Iraqi Embassy in Kabul, the militant group effectively declared war on Afghanistan's Shiites, saying they would be the target of future attacks.
Several mosques have been attacked following this warning, killing scores of Shiite worshippers in Kabul and in western Herat province. Residents say attendance at local Shiite mosques in Kabul on Friday has dropped by at least one-third.
The Interior Ministry released a statement Saturday saying it was investigating the attack in Kabul's Dashte-e-Barchi neighborhood. It said the assailant blew himself up as worshippers began their prayers.
Eyewitness Ali Mohammad said the mosque was packed with worshippers, both men and women praying at the height of the Muslim week. The explosion was so strong that it shattered windows on nearby buildings, he said.
Dashte-e-Barchi is a sprawling neighborhood in the west of Kabul where the majority of people are ethnic Hazaras, who are mostly Shiite Muslims.
As attacks targeting Shiites have increased in Kabul, residents of this area have grown increasingly afraid. Most schools have additional armed guards from among the local population.
Abdul Hussain Naseri, a Shiite cleric, condemned the attack and said more security is needed for Shiite mosques in the city.
The attack on the Sunni mosque in Ghor province took place in the Do Laina district, according to Mohammad Iqbal Nizami, the spokesman for the provincial chief of police. He said the target apparently was a local commander, Abdul Ahed, a former warlord who has sided with the government. Seven of his bodyguards were also killed in the bombing. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
It has been a brutal week in Afghanistan, with more than 70 killed, mostly policemen and Afghan soldiers but also civilians as militant attacks have surged. The Taliban have taken responsibility for the earlier assaults this week that struck security installations in the east and west of the country.
Funerals were scheduled for Saturday at several cemeteries in western Kabul.
___
Associated Press writer Maamoun Youssef in Cairo contributed to this report.
MORE NEWS
Asian Games 2026 Day 15 LIVE Updates: 17-Year-Old Kumkum Mohod Creates History, Wins Recurve Gold
Asian Games 2026, October 3 Live Updates: Follow all the latest updates from the 15th day of the event with Indian contingent in action across nine sports.
India, UAE expedite setting up two establishments to strengthen cultural initiatives
India and the UAE are enhancing cultural collaboration by expediting initiatives, including the House of India and the Gandhi-Zayed Centre. These initiatives are designed to promote peace, tolerance, and sustainability studies between both nations. Recent discussions at a meeting highlighted progress in heritage and archival cooperation, along with further joint projects planned for the future. Both nations will also expand collaboration in various sectors such as education, sports, and tourism.
Central Asia's biggest state holds month-long initiative to promote AI & digital tech
Kazakhstan is hosting AI MONTH to emphasize the importance of artificial intelligence in digitalization. The AI & Digital Bridge 2026 forum is a key event highlighting technology advancements and collaborative efforts. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev advocates for responsible AI development while encouraging talent and investment retention. International experts and leaders gather to discuss global AI governance and partnerships.
Ex-SC, HC judges form independent panel to look into SIR issue
A group of former Supreme Court and high court judges will review the electoral roll revision process. The panel, led by Madan B Lokur, will assess its constitutional validity and methodology. Public hearings will be conducted nationwide to gather opinions from affected citizens and experts. Senior lawyers will provide strategic legal advice to support the commission's work. The commission is responsible for delivering findings and recommendations from their investigation.
Ex-SC, HC judges form independent panel to look into SIR
A group of former Supreme Court and high court judges will review the electoral roll revision process. The panel, led by Madan B Lokur, will assess its constitutional validity and methodology. Public hearings will be conducted nationwide to gather opinions from affected citizens and experts. Senior lawyers will provide strategic legal advice to support the commission's work. The commission is responsible for delivering findings and recommendations from their investigation.
Asian Games Day 14 India full schedule: Men's team eyes cricket gold against Pakistan, hockey title and Olympic quotas
On Day 14 of the Asian Games 2026, India will compete in several significant events. The men's cricket team will face Pakistan for the gold medal, while the men's hockey team will play Malaysia. Important Olympic qualification opportunities are available in archery and wrestling, where multiple athletes will seek medals. Golf, taekwondo, and women's rugby sevens will also feature crucial matches for India.
North Korea test-fires ballistic missile as tensions grow over border mine blasts
North Korea fired a ballistic missile that flew over 700 kilometers into the sea. This launch followed heightened tensions due to land mine blasts injuring three South Korean soldiers. South Korea condemned the missile tests, calling them a violation of U.N. sanctions, while the U.S. stated there was no immediate threat. Kim Yo Jong labeled South Korea's demands for an apology as pathetic and reaffirmed North Korea's hostility.
FlyDubai co-pilot who nearly crashed plane was barred from flying by Oman over extremism concerns
A FlyDubai flight with 182 people faced a near-crash incident due to an attack on the cockpit. The co-pilot, previously barred from flying in Oman, was hired by the UAE airline. Investigations are ongoing with both Israeli and Emirati officials involved. The UAE has suspended all flights to Israel, complicating travel for many passengers. The captain of the flight, praised for his actions, continues to recover in Abu Dhabi.
US FAA says Boeing 737 MAX software glitch poses no safety issue
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that Boeing can proceed with the certification of the 737 MAX 10. A recent panel determined that the software issue does not pose safety concerns for the aircraft. This decision allows for a potential certification of the MAX 10 later this month. Airlines using the MAX 7, which shares the same software, will also benefit from this determination.
