By Abdul Adil

London, (The Muslim News): On Thursday, a blast in Si-Dukan Mosque left dozens of Shia Muslim worshipers dead and wounded, according to eyewitnesses. 400 worshipers attended the mosque during holy month of Ramadan.

The head of the provincial department of security, Mohammad Asif Waziri, confirming 10 deaths and 15 people wounded said the explosives were placed inside the mosque.

“I can only say that the blast was due to explosives,” he said. “Unfortunately, 25 people were martyred and wounded. Around 10 people were martyred, and 15 others were wounded.”  

However, other sources speaking on condition of anonymity said 31 people were killed and 87 were wounded, reports Afghan Tolo News.

“I can only say that the blast was due to explosives,” he said. “Unfortunately, 25 people were martyred and wounded. Around 10 people were martyred, and 15 others were wounded.”  

“Our Shia people gathered to pray here. I went to the hospital to give blood but they didn’t let me. The casualties are high,” said Sayed Ali, a witness.

Idris is one of the wounded. “I was here when the attack happened. When they say (the number of casualties) is around 20 to 25, (they) lie. The first and second line of the prayers were severely hit and only the people in the third and fourth lines were safe.”   

Daesh claimed the attack, according to a statement on the group’s Telegram channel. 

There were other bomb attacks across Afghanistan. 

A roadside mine injured two children in Kabul. 

At least four people were killed and 18 others were wounded in a blast that occurred in Kunduz city in Kunduz province, said officials. 

Islamic Emirate’s Spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid in a tweet condemned the attacks in Kabul, Balkh and Kunduz provinces.  

Mujahid vowed that the perpetrators of the attacks would be held accountable.  

UN condemned the attacks. 

UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett tweeted: “Today, more explosions rocks #afghanistan, striking #Shia mosque in Mazar e Sharif and again the #Hazara community is a victim. Systematic targeted attacks on crowded #schools & #mosques call for immediate #investigation, #accountability & end to such #humanrightsviolations.”

[Photo: A view of the Si Dokan mosque after a blast located in a busy area of ​​Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan April 21, 2022. Photojournalist :Sayed Khodaiberdi Sadat/AA]