IS bomber kills 46 at mosque in Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan – An Islamic State suicide bomber struck at a mosque packed with Shiite Muslim worshipers in northern Afghanistan on Friday, killing at least 46 people and wounding dozens in the latest security challenge to the Taliban as they transition from insurgency to governance.
In its claim of responsibility, the region’s IS affiliate identified the bomber as a Uygher Muslim, saying the attack targeted Shiites and the Taliban for their purported willingness to expel Uyghers to meet demands from China. The statement was carried by the ISlinked Aamaq news agency.
The blast tore through a crowded mosque in the city of Kunduz during Friday noon prayers, the highlight of the Muslim religious week. It was the latest in a series of IS bombings and shootings that have targeted Afghanistan’s new Taliban rulers, as well as religious institutions and minority Shiites since U.S. and NATO troops left.
The death toll of 46 is the highest in an attack since foreign troops left Afghanistan. Friday’s attack was the third to target a place of worship or religious study in a week.