Suicide bomb leaves 37 dead at Afghanistan mosque

Many worshippers were killed and injured after a blast went off in Afghanistan on Eid day...

12:12 26 October 2012

A bomb that hit a mosque in northern Afghanistan on Friday has killed 37 people, according to the latest report from officials. It is also understood that over 20 people were injured as a result of the suicide bomb.

 

The explosion occurred in Maymana, which is in the Faryab province, as people gathered for prayers. The bomb was triggered on the same day as a Muslim holiday, the Eid al-Adha festival.

 

According to reports, police officers were also among those people who were affected by the bomb.

 

In one report by the BBC they state that senior officials – who were thought to have been at the mosque at the time of the explosion – suffered no serious injuries.

 

The Deputy Provincial Governor, Abdul Satar Barez, has said to the AFP agency that the event happened after prayers were said.

 

He said: “Suddenly a big explosion took place and the area was full of dust and smoke and body parts of police and civilians were all over the place. It was a very powerful explosion."

 

At the time of press, it is unknown who is responsible for the bombing. The target is also not certain.

 

The Faryab province is understood to be an area which is not usually targeted by the likes of the Taliban, but it has recently seen an increase in violent activity over the last few years.