At Least 72 Killed in Mosque Attack in Eastern Afghanistan

Multiple bombs believed used, collapsing the roof

A major mosque blast in Afghanistan’s eastern Nangarhar Province tore through the complex during Friday prayers, killing at least 72 people and wounding dozens of others.

Security officials say they believe a number of different explosives were used in the attack, positioned around the compound. The explosion caused the roof of the mosque to collapses in on the worshipers. Witnesses reported hearing a single loud explosion.

As far as who did it, officials aren’t drawing any conclusions yet. The Taliban denied responsibility and condemned the attack on a mosque. ISIS may be a more likely attacker, as they are based in Nangarhar.

ISIS hasn’t taken credit, however, which would be unusual for them. While they are often comfortable attacking mosques, they usually want to brag about it after the fact, and so far have said nothing.



Author: Jason Ditz

Jason Ditz is Senior Editor for Antiwar.com. He has 20 years of experience in foreign policy research and his work has appeared in The American Conservative, Responsible Statecraft, Forbes, Toronto Star, Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Providence Journal, Washington Times, and the Detroit Free Press.