HERAT: Extremist militant group Daesh claimed responsibility for attack on a crowded masjid in western Afghanistan, which killed at least 18 people, including a prominent cleric, Al Arabiya reported. Taliban officials and a local medic said that at least 21 people were hurt. Blast went off in Guzargah Masjid during Friday prayers.

Explosion killed Mujib-ul Rahman Ansari, a prominent cleric who was known across Afghanistan for his criticism of country’s Western-backed governments over past two decades. Ansari was seen as close to Taliban, who seized control over country a year ago as foreign forces withdrew. His death was confirmed by chief Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid. Ambulances transported 18 bodies and 21 wounded people from blast to hospitals in Herat, said Mohammad Daud Mohammadi, an official at Herat ambulance centre.

Previous masjid attacks have also been claimed by Daesh extremist group, which has carried out a series of attacks against religious and ethnic minorities in Afghanistan, as well as Taliban targets. Herat masjid draws followers of Sunni Islam, dominant stream in Afghanistan that is also followed by Taliban.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 03 2022

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