Black Friday In Afghanistan, Again

Dozens die after suicide bombers attack a Shia mosque in Kandahar packed with worshippers attending weekly Friday prayers

KABUL/MOSCOW: Suicide bombers attacked a Shia mosque in southern Afghanistan's Kandahar that was packed with worshippers attending weekly Friday prayers, killing dozens of people and wounding many more, according to a hospital official and an eyewitness.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack on the Imam Barga mosque. It came a week after a bombing claimed by the local Islamic State (IS) affiliate killed 46 people at a Shia mosque in northern Afghanistan's Kunduz.

Murtaza, an eyewitness who like many Afghans goes by one name, said four suicide bombers attacked the mosque. Two detonated their explosives at a security gate, allowing the other two to run inside and strike the congregation of worshippers.

Speaking to The Associated Press by phone, he said Friday prayers are typically attended by around 500 people at the mosque.

Chilling footage

Video footage from the scene showed bodies scattered across blood-stained carpets, with survivors walking around in a daze or crying out in anguish.

A local hospital official was not authorised to brief media and so confirmed the casualty toll on condition of anonymity.

The extremist Islamic State group, which is opposed to the ruling Taliban, views Shia Muslims as apostates deserving of death. IS has claimed a number of deadly bombings across the country since the Taliban seized power in August amid the withdrawal of US forces. The group has also targeted Taliban fighters in smaller attacks.

Probe underway