21 die in mosque explosion in Kabul, 33 injured

Kabul (Afghanistan), August 18: An explosion was reported at a mosque in the north of the Afghan capital of Kabul, claiming the lives of 21 people and injuring 33 more, media reports said on Thursday.

Earlier it was reported that as many as 40 people were injured while 20 died due to the explosion.

The explosion reportedly took place during evening prayers at a mosque in the Khair Khana area. "As a result of an explosion in a mosque north of Kabul, 20 people were killed and another 40 were injured," an Afghan security source said on Wednesday. Even though the Taliban claim complete control of Afghanistan, the Islamic State continues to carry out attacks on civilians and police across the country.

According to the Afghan news agency, the Taliban has not issued a statement on casualties. So far, no terrorist organisation has claimed responsibility for the explosion. Amir Mohammad Kabuli, a top Islamic cleric, is among the dead.

Also Read | Monkeypox vaccines efficacy below 100%, says WHO

Two weeks ago, two deadly blasts in Kabul killed ten people and injured 40 more. Both attacks were claimed by the Islamic State.

This attack comes after one year of Taliban rule in Afghanistan. According to rights groups, the Taliban has broken numerous promises to respect human rights and women's rights. Following their takeover of Kabul in August of last year, the Islamic authorities imposed severe restrictions on women's and girls' rights, suppressed the media, and arbitrarily detained, tortured, and summarily executed critics and perceived opponents, among other abuses.

According to the New York-based rights group's report, Taliban human rights violations have sparked widespread condemnation and jeopardised international efforts to address the country's dire humanitarian situation.

Also Read | Punjab cop, his accomplice held for 'planting' bomb under Amritsar's SI's car

-PTC News