Daesh Claims Responsibility for Afghan Mosque Explosion Which Killed At Least 30, Injured 80

The incident occurred in Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province.

A powerful explosion killed at least 30 people and injured 80 more at a mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghan news agency Hama press reported on Thursday. Media outlets initially reported five deaths, but the toll continued to rise as many more are feared to be inflicted by the attack.

Several photos and videos, purportedly depicting the aftermath of the deadly blast, are circulating online.

Daesh* terror group claimed responsibility for the bombing.

انفجار در میان نمازگزاران و در منزل دوم مسجد سه دکان صورت گرفته است.
ارقام دقیق تلفات مشخص نیست، اماشاهدان صحنه، میزان تلفات را به دلیل حضور نمازگزاران زیاد می‌دانند.#مختار_وفایی pic.twitter.com/VZAgmz1whO

— Sara Ahmadi (@SaraAhmadi2121) April 21, 2022

⚡️⚡️مصدر أمني للجزيرة: 8 قتلى و40 جريحا في تفجير داخل مسجد وسط #مزار_شريف شمالي #أفغانستان. pic.twitter.com/T4mYLCRnL6

— Radio Algeria international إذاعة الجزائر الدولية (@radioalginter) April 21, 2022

It is reported that a powerful explosion in the Shiite sanctuary Seh Dekan in the city of Mazar-i-Sharif in Balkh province during prayer. Possibly terrorist attack by IS militants. #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/s2tyd4qn0h

— www.anoncandanga.com🚨💣 (@anon_candanga) April 21, 2022

Mazar-i-Sharif is one of the centres of Shia Islam in Afghanistan, where the biggest mosque in the country - Hazrat Ali Mazar - is located. It is a shrine to Ali ibn Abu Talib, a relative and a friend of prophet Muhammad who is one of the central figures venerated by Shia Muslims.

The situation in the country remains tense after the Taliban* movement seized Kabul in August and established control over the country. Afghanistan is still suffering from terrorist acts, as the Daesh* group continues its activities, often targeting mosques and other public spaces with their deadly attacks.

*Daesh (ISIL/ISIS/Islamic State), a terrorist group banned in Russia and a number of other countries

**the Taliban, a militant group is currently under UN sanctions over terrorist activities