Shia mosque attacked by Islamic State in Kabul

A suicide bomber killed at least 30 people and wounded 70 others inside the Baqir-ul-Olum Shia mosque in Kabul.  According to Reuters, the suicide bomber entered the mosque as “worshipers gathered for Arbaeen, a Shi’ite ritual marking the end of a 40-day mourning period for the 7th century death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad.” Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack.

The New York Times quoted Abdullah Abdullah, the chief executive of the Afghan government. He condemned the attack as “a sign of barbarism and cruelty.”

This attack targeted innocent civilians -including children- in a holy place. It is a war crime & an act against Islam & humanity. – AA 2/6

— Dr. Abdullah (@afgexecutive) November 21, 2016

Advertisement

Islamic State have claimed the attack on the Shia mosque via Amaq news agency. Taliban have denied being involved at this time.

A spokesman for the Taliban denied that the group was involved, raising the possibility that it could again be the work of the Islamic State affiliates, who have repeatedly targeted the minority Shiites in the past.- New York Times

The last large attack against Shia in Kabul was on Oct. 11. During that attack, Islamic state carried out an attack on the Kart-e-Sakhi shrine and gunmen killed 14 worshipers.

Image courtesy of Reuters