The Latest: US condemns twin suicide attacks in Afghanistan
Oct 20, 2017
The Latest: The United States is strongly condemning attacks by twin suicide bombers on two mosques in Afghanistan that killed at least 63 people
KABUL, Afghanistan — The Latest on developments in Afghanistan (all times local):
1:25 a.m.
The United States is strongly condemning attacks by twin suicide bombers on two mosques in Afghanistan that killed at least 63 people.
A statement by State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert said the U.S. condemns the "terrorist attacks in Kabul and Ghor, as well as the other attacks carried out across the country this week."
"In the face of these senseless and cowardly acts, our commitment to Afghanistan is unwavering," the statement said. "The United States stands with the government and people of Afghanistan and will continue to support their efforts to achieve peace and security for their country."
In the attack in Kabul, a suicide bomber walked into the Imam Zaman Mosque, a Shiite mosque in the western Dashte-e-Barchi neighborhood where he detonated his explosives vest, killing 30 and wounding 45, said Maj. Gen. Alimast Momand at the Interior Ministry.
The suicide bombing in Ghor province struck a Sunni mosque, also during Friday prayers and killed 33 people, including a warlord who was apparently the target of the attack, said Mohammad Iqbal Nizami, the spokesman for the provincial chief of police.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for either attack.
___
9:30 p.m.
The Afghan president has issued a statement condemning the attacks on mosques in Kabul and in western Ghor province that killed at least 63 people during Friday prayers.
Ashraf Ghani says that the day's attacks show that "the terrorists have once again staged bloody attacks but they will not achieve their evil purposes and sow discord among the Afghans."
Ghani pledged that Afghan security forces would step up the fight to "eliminate the terrorists who target Afghans of all religions and tribes."
A suicide bomber attacked a Shiite mosque during late afternoon prayers in western Kabul, killing 30 members of the minority Hazara community while at the same time, a suicide bomber struck a Sunni mosque in western Ghor province, killing 33 people there.
___
9:10 p.m.
An Afghan police spokesman has raised the death toll from a suicide bombing at a Sunni mosque in western Ghor province to 33 killed, including a warlord who was apparently the target of the attack.
Mohammad Iqbal Nizami, the spokesman for the provincial chief of police, says the bomber struck during Friday prayers, killing 33. Initial reports had 10 dead in that attack.
Nizami says the attack apparently targeted local commander, Abdul Ahed, a former warlord who has sided with the government. Seven of his bodyguards were also killed in the attack.
The attack in Ghor happened as a suicide bomber targeted a Shiite mosque in western Kabul, also during Friday prayers, killing at least 30 people.
No group has so far claimed responsibility for either attack.
___
7:10 p.m.
An Afghan official at the Interior Ministry says suicide bombing at a Shiite mosque in western Kabul has killed at least 30 people and wounded 45.
Maj. Gen. Alimast Momand says the attacker was on foot and walked into to the Imam Zaman Mosque on Friday in the city's Dashti Barch area where he detonated his explosives.
The head of the area's Isteqlal Hospital, Mohammad Sabir Nassib, says it has received the bodies of two people slain in the attack as well as two wounded
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
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.
