Kabul: Several killed in suicide blast near Shi’ite mosque

Mangalore Today News Network

Sep 29, 2017: Suicide attackers hit the Afghan capital Kabul on Friday near a large Shi’ite mosque causing several casualties, officials and witnesses said.

The blast hit the Qala-e Fatehullah area of the city near the Hussainya mosque while the security forces were on alert for possible attacks during Ashura, the holiest celebration in the Shi’ite religious calendar.

Security officials said,  at least two attackers were killed as they carried out the operation and apparently intended to hit the mosque. Just a month after 20 people were killed during prayers at another Shi’ite mosque in Kabul.

A hospital run by Italian aid group Emergency said that five wounded had been brought after the blast but a witness at the scene said eight or nine people had been wounded or killed.

The local affiliate of Islamic State has claimed several attacks on Shi’ite targets in Kabul in recent years and the government has allowed the Shi’ite community to place armed guards near mosques.

Courtesy: Indiatoday