By Shadi Khan Saif

KABUL, (AA): A suicide attack inside a Shia mosque here killed at least 30 people Monday.

Col. Fareedon Obaidi, head of investigations for Kabul Police, told Anadolu Agency a lone suicide bomber detonated explosives inside the Baqar Uloom Mosque where Shia Muslims had gathered for the mourning of martyrdom of Islam’s Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Imam Husayn, as they do on the 40th day after the anniversary of his death [Arbaeen].

Staff at the Istiqlal Public Hospital, where most of the victims were treated, confirmed at least 30 people died and more than 40 were wounded.

[Afghan victims receive treatment after a suicide explosion in Kabul, Afghanistan on November 21, 2016. Shia Muslims targeted by suicide bomber during mourning of martyrdom of grandson of Prophet Muhammad’s grandson Imam Husayn in Baqer Uloom Mosques arbaeen event. (Photographer: Haroon Sabawoon/Anadolu Agency]

U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby condemned the attack in the strongest possible terms and extended condolences to the families and friends of the victims.The attack has continued an emerging trend of sectarian violence, particularly targeting Shia Muslims, which until recently had not been so evident in comparison to neighboring countries like Pakistan.

In July, more than 81 Afghan citizens, mostly members of the Shia Hazara Musilm community, died in a twin-suicide attack on a political rally in Kabul, which was claimed by the Daesh militant group.

[Photo: General view of Baqer Uloom mosque after a suicide explosion in Kabul, Afghanistan on November 21, 2016. Shia Muslims targeted by suicide bomber during Arbaeen mourning of martyrdom of grandson of Propher Muhammad in Afghan capital Kabul. Photographer: Muhabiri Haroon Sabawoon/AA]