The group known as the Islamic State has claimed that one of its members carried out the suicide attack at a Shia mosque in Kabul. At least 39 people were killed in the attack on the 'Imam Zaman Mosque' in the 'Dasht-e Barchi' area of western Kabul. The Islamic State (ISIS) stated in a statement, without providing specific evidence, that the attack was carried out by an individual named (or known as) Abu Ammar Turkmani, at the 'Temple of the Outcast Infidels.' ISIS has previously claimed responsibility for attacks against Shia Muslims and their mosques in Afghanistan, including an attack in early September that also left dozens dead. The Afghan government reported that at least 45 people were injured in the suicide attack at the Imam Zaman Mosque. Various figures have been reported regarding the death toll, with a security official in Kabul telling the German news agency that 'between 70 and 80 people' have died. The Afghan Presidential Office condemned this attack, as well as another attack that occurred in Ghor province, stating that 'terrorist criminals have once again stained their wicked hands with the blood of Muslim worshippers.' In the Ghor province suicide attack, at least 33 people lost their lives. Reuters reports that the attack in Ghor appears to have been aimed at killing a member of the 'Islamic Unity Party.' It is still unclear which group or groups were responsible for this attack. A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department strongly condemned the attacks in Afghanistan yesterday, stating that 'our commitments to Afghanistan will not be affected.' The U.S. President recently announced a new strategy for his administration regarding Afghanistan and to counter extremist and militant groups. Following this, U.S. officials stated that the number of their military forces in Afghanistan has increased from 11,000 to over 14,000. Four days before the attacks on the mosques in Kabul and Ghor, over 70 people, including a number of civilians, were killed in Taliban attacks on Afghan security forces and police. At the same time, dozens of members of the 'Haqqani Network' and the Taliban were killed in airstrikes attributed to the U.S. military on the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.
ISIS Claims Responsibility for Suicide Attack on Shia Mosque in Kabul
ISIS has claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on a Shia mosque in Kabul, resulting in at least 39 deaths and many injuries. The Afghan government condemned the attack, while the U.S. State Department also expressed strong condemnation. This incident highlights the ongoing violence against Shia communities in Afghanistan and the challenges facing the Afghan government.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
ISIS claimed responsibility for a suicide attack on the Imam Zaman Mosque in Kabul, resulting in at least 39 deaths and numerous injuries. This attack is part of a broader pattern of violence against Shia communities in Afghanistan.
- At least 39 people were killed and 45 injured in the attack.
- The attack is part of a series of violent incidents targeting Shia Muslims in Afghanistan.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Afghanistan has experienced ongoing violence, particularly against Shia Muslims, since the rise of ISIS in the region. The Taliban's control has not eliminated the threat from other extremist groups.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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