KABUL, Afghanistan (Friday Oct 8) — At least IS bomb kills 46 and wounding dozens in an Islamic State suicide bomber that struck a mosque contained Shiite Muslim worshippers in northern Afghanistan.
This is reported to be the latest security challenge to the Taliban faced since there takeover of the Afghan governance.
In a statement carried by the IS-linked Aamaq news agency. The group claim responsibility of the attack. A Uygher Muslim bomber (identify by IS as a region’s IS affiliate).
The statement said the attack targeted both Shiites and the Taliban for their purported willingness to expel Uyghers to meet demands from China.
The blast took place in a crowded mosque in the city of Kunduz during Friday noon prayers.
In a series of IS bombings and shootings that have targeted Afghanistan’s new Taliban rulers, as well as religious institutions and minority Shiites, this is the latest attack since Taliban takeover.
It blew out windows, charred the ceiling and scattered debris and twisted metal across the floor. Rescuers carried one body out on a stretcher and another in a blanket. Whole Blood stains covered the front steps.
The Islamic State group and the Taliban, are strategic rivals. IS militants have targeted Taliban positions (Afghan Government) and attempted to recruit members from their ranks.
The militants, once confined to the east, have penetrated the capital of Kabul and other provinces with new attacks
Taliban attempt to consolidate power and transform their guerrilla fighters into a structured police and security force.
Taliban spokesman Bilal Karimi told The Associated Press that 46 worshipers were killed and 143 wounded in the explosion. He said an investigation was under way.
“We expect the security forces of the government to provide security for the mosques since they collected the weapons that were provided for the security of the worship places,” a Shiite cleric, Sayed Hussain Alimi Balkhi said.
I assure our Shiite brothers that the Taliban are prepared to ensure their safety,” Dost Mohammad Obaida, the deputy police chief in Kunduz also said.
IS has also claimed two deadly bombings in Kabul, including the horrific Aug. 26 bombing that killed at least 169 Afghans and 13 U.S. military personnel outside of Kabul airport in the final days of the chaotic American pullout from Afghanistan.
