At least 72 people, including children, have been killed in suicide attacks on two mosques in Afghanistan, Reuters reported.
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack on a Shiite mosque in Kabul, where 39 people were killed. In a statement, the terrorist group claimed it targeted “polytheists”, a derogatory term that it uses to refer to Shia Muslims, The Independent reported.
In the central province of Ghor, at least 33 people were killed in an attack whose target was a local political leader, Balkh provincial governor Atta Mohammad Noor said. No group has claimed responsibility for this attack yet.
A wave of bomb blasts across the country have killed at least 176 people, the BBC reported. An eyewitness told the broadcaster that the scene at the Imam Zaman mosque in Kabul looked like a “front line”. The attacker reportedly opened fire as worshippers gathered for Friday prayers, before detonating his bomb.
In a similar attack on the mosque in August, 28 worshippers were killed by the extremist group.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!