The Latest: Attack on Afghan mosque, voter center kills 14
May 6, 2018
Officials in Afghanistan say a bomb blast inside a mosque that was being used as a voter registration center has killed at least 14 people and wounded more than 30
KABUL, Afghanistan — The Latest on the war in Afghanistan (all times local):
10 p.m.
Officials in Afghanistan say a bomb blast inside a mosque that was being used as a voter registration center has killed at least 14 people and wounded more than 30.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack in the eastern city of Khost. But both the Taliban and a local Islamic State affiliate reject democratic elections and have targeted them in the past.
Afghanistan plans to hold elections in October, the first since 2014.
Also Sunday, an Afghan official said seven Indian citizens and their Afghan driver were kidnapped in the northern Baghlan province.
___
7:30 p.m.
India's foreign ministry in a statement Sunday said the government was in touch with the Afghan officials over the reports of abduction.
"We are aware of the abduction of Indian nationals from Baghlan province in Afghanistan," the statement said. "We are in contact with the Afghan authorities and further details are being ascertained."
___
6:20 p.m.
An Afghan official says that the dead toll for the bombing at a mosque in the eastern Khost province that was being used as a voter registration center has risen to 14 people killed, including a woman.
Talib Mangal, spokesman for the provincial governor in Khost, said that a bomb placed inside the Yaqoubi mosque detonated and caused casualties among civilians who gathered both for prayers and to get voter registration.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
___
4:20 p.m.
An Afghan official says that seven Indian citizens and their Afghan driver have been kidnapped in the northern Baghlan province.
Mahmood Haqmal, spokesman for the provincial governor, says unknown gunmen abducted the Indian electrical engineers on Sunday near the provincial capital, Puli Khumri, as they were traveling to a power station.
No one has claimed the abduction, but the Taliban have a strong presence in Baghlan. In the past, the insurgents have cut power lines in the region, which are used to import electricity from central Asian countries to the Afghan capital, Kabul.
___
3:45 p.m.
An Afghan official says a bombing at a mosque in the eastern Khost province that was being used as a voter registration center killed 12 people and wounded another 33.
Habib Shah Ansari, the provincial head of public health, provided the first precise toll from the attack, which was earlier confirmed by other officials.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but both the Taliban and a local Islamic State affiliate reject democratic elections and have targeted them in the past. IS is not known to have a presence in Khost, but has expanded its footprint into other areas in recent years.
___
3:30 p.m.
An Afghan official says at least 30 people were "killed and wounded" in a bomb blast inside a mosque in eastern Khost province that was being used as a voter registration center.
Talib Mangal, spokesman for the provincial governor, confirmed Sunday's attack and provided the approximate toll. Baser Bena, spokesman for the provincial police chief, also confirmed the attack in Khost city, the provincial capital. Neither had an exact figure for casualties.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, but both the Taliban and a local Islamic State affiliate reject democratic elections and have targeted them in the past. IS is not known to have a presence in Khost, but has expanded its footprint into other areas in recent years.
Last month, an Islamic State suicide bomber attacked a voter registration center in Kabul, killing 60 people and wounding at least 130 others.
___
11:30 a.m.
A vehicle carrying shopkeepers on their way to a market has struck a roadside bomb in Afghanistan's northern Faryab province, killing seven of them.
Police spokesman Karim Yuresh says another civilian was wounded in Sunday's attack, in an area where the Taliban and an Islamic State affiliate are active.
In the eastern Paktia province, a car bomb killed two people and wounded another three. Abdullah Hsart, the provincial governor's spokesman, says the attack late Saturday targeted Hazart Mohammad Rodwal, a district chief, who was among the wounded. The Taliban claimed the attack.
MORE NEWS
'India has a new hero': Consulate General of Israel in Mumbai puts billboard hailing Capt Machchhar
Israel Consulate in Mumbai hails flydubai pilot Smit Machchhar as a hero after flight FZ1073 made a sharp emergency descent and diverted to Saudi Arabia following an alleged attempt to crash the Israel-bound aircraft.
In 1987, Ted Turner bought a 22,000-acre Montana ranch; two years later, he spent $21 million on a 113,000-acre property to keep it undeveloped
Ted Turner, the founder of CNN and longtime conservationist, lived in a remarkable collection of expansive ranches and properties during his lifetime. Before his passing on May 6, 2026, at age 87, Turner spent his final years on one of his Montana ranches, where he enjoyed fishing.
Goyal at G20: India opposes making MFN conditional on WTO obligations
Union Minister Piyush Goyal represented India at the G20 Trade Ministers' Meeting, emphasizing the importance of the Most-Favoured-Nation principle. He stated that equal trading terms are essential for both large and small traders. Goyal expressed India's commitment to addressing trade distortions through WTO-compliant measures and preserving developing countries' policy space for industrialization. India's position on forced labor in global supply chains was reiterated during the discussions.
Viral cookie chain Chip City closes in key locations; here's what went wrong
Chip City, the cookie chain famous for its adventurous flavors, has shuttered its three locations in Connecticut, reflecting a troubling trend for cookie outlets nationwide. The closures result from evolving consumer tastes and various economic pressures. The absence of any Connecticut listings on their website suggests a definitive withdrawal. However, Chip City continues to delight customers in New York, New Jersey, and Texas.
Defend, stay disciplined: Marijne's mantra powered India to women's hockey gold
Defend, stay disciplined: Marijne's mantra powered India to women's hockey gold
One faded photograph could prove Egypt’s first female pharaoh ruled like a king 5,000 years ago — and rewrite early Egyptian history
Researchers believe a digitally enhanced photograph of hieroglyphics could clarify Queen Meretneith's role in ancient Egypt. Discovered in the 1940s, the inscription may suggest she ruled as a king rather than merely as a regent. However, some Egyptologists dispute this interpretation, claiming it only references King Djer. The debate surrounding Meretneith could redefine women's political authority in ancient Egypt.
In 2010, Playboy's Hugh Hefner donated $900,000 to save land behind the Hollywood Sign from luxury homes. 16 years on, 138 acres at Cahuenga Peak remain protected in Griffith Park
In 2010, a major fundraising campaign sought to protect 138 acres at Cahuenga Peak, the land behind the iconic Hollywood Sign, from potential development. The effort required $12.5 million, but organizers were still $1 million short when Playboy founder Hugh Hefner contributed $900,000. Other major donors, that includes Tiffany & Company Foundation and Aileen Getty, also supported the campaign.
In 2013, Bob Hope's estate listed his UFO-style home for $50 million; after zero buyers, it eventually sold for $13 million
Bob Hope’s distinctive Palm Springs residence, popularly called as his “UFO house,” eventually found a new owner after years on the market. Originally listed for $50 million in 2013, the unusual estate finally sold for $13 million to billionaire Ronald Burkle, a venture capitalist and philanthropist,as per TopTenRealEstateDeals.com. Designed by architect John Lautner for Hope and his wife, Delores, in 1973, the 23,000-square-foot property features a curved structure, floor-to-ceiling windows and circular ceiling windows for stargazing.
CJP warns of Jantar Mantar 2.0 as thousands attend Mumbai protest seeking CEC's ouster
The Cockroach Janta Party's protest at Shivaji Park sought the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Party leaders accused the government of electoral fraud and deleting voters' names from the lists. Many prominent figures, including veteran actors, participated in the demonstration despite police denial of permission. Protesters emphasized the need for immediate action and a fair electoral process.