Explosion at Islamic Mosque in Northern Afghanistan... Over 100 Casualties Reported

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] A powerful explosion occurred at a mosque (Islamic temple) in northern Afghanistan on the 8th (local time), resulting in over 100 casualties.

According to AFP, citing Taliban officials and witnesses, the explosion took place during Friday prayers at a Shia mosque in Kunduz in the north in the afternoon.

According to hospital officials from Doctors Without Borders in the area, 15 people were killed and more than 90 injured in the explosion.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said, "The Shia mosque was targeted, and many worshippers were killed or injured," adding, "Special forces have arrived at the scene and are investigating the incident."

However, he did not specify the exact cause of the explosion or the number of casualties.

Witness Ali Reza said the explosion occurred during the prayers and that he saw many casualties.

Some suggest that this explosion may have been a terrorist attack targeting Sunnis.

In Afghanistan, 85 to 90% of the population is classified as Sunni. The Shia, who make up only 10 to 15% of the population, have often faced discrimination from the Sunni majority.

In particular, the Sunni extremist group Islamic State (IS) calls Shia "apostates" and has carried out multiple terrorist attacks targeting Shia residents.

IS has also criticized the Taliban, who are Sunni as well, for engaging in peace talks with the United States, labeling them as moderate.

The local IS faction, Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K), has carried out several terrorist attacks centered on eastern Jalalabad and the capital Kabul since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.