Terrorism

Suicide bomber kills six near Shia mosque in Kabul

File Photo. Courtesy PressTV.ir

Kabul: A suicide bomber has detonated an explosive device outside a Shia mosque in the Afghan capital, Kabul, killing at least six people and injuring 16 others, including children.

The explosion happened as worshipers were leaving a Shia mosque, Hussainia mosque, one of the biggest Shia centers, in the north of the city after Friday prayers.

General Salim Almas, the criminal investigative director of Kabul city, said that the assailant, who was seen grazing sheep and posing as a shepherd, detonated the explosives some 140 meters from the mosque while worshipers were passing by.

The injured where shifted to a hospital with some of them suffering from deep wounds, Ismahil Kawosi, spokesman of Public Health Ministry, told local media.

The blast also damaged several cars and shops.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility but Taliban and Islamic State militants, who belong to the rival Sunni branch of Islam, have repeatedly targeted the minority Shia community in recent years.

There had been fears they would strike again as Shia prepare to commemorate Ashura which falls this weekend and is the most important Shia observance.

However, in recent years the sacred day has been marred by deadly violence.

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