Iran condemns deadly blast at Shia mosque in northern Afghanistan
Iran has condemned a deadly bomb attack against a Shia mosque in northern Afghanistan on Friday, calling it one of the "most vicious of terrorist crimes."
The blast hit Imam Zaman mosque in Pul-e-Khumri, the capital of Baghlan province, as worshipers gathered for Friday prayers. Reports say it killed at least 17 people and injured 50 others.
A statement by the ministry's spokesman Nassern Kan'ani condemned the “painful” attack in the strongest terms and said it shows its perpetrators are "diverted from Islam’s genuine teachings."
He extended condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery for those injured.
A separate statement by Iran’s Embassy in Afghanistan also condemned the terror attack, blaming “extremist terrorists backed by the US and the Zionist regime.”
There was no immediate claim of responsibility.
A Taliban official told Reuters they’re probing what type of blast it was.
The blast comes as the regional branch of the Daesh terrorist group remains a threat in Afghanistan and has in the past targeted the Shia minority.
Since the Taliban returned to government Daesh has staged attacks on diplomatic missions in Kabul, and ministry buildings as the de facto rulers have pledged to protect ethnic and religious minorities.
Daesh terrorists are also blamed for the September 2022 bombing of a study hall in a Shia neighborhood of the capital Kabul, killing at least 53 people, including 46 girls and young women.
Daesh seeks to "provoke sectarian conflict and destabilize the region" and since 2022 has conducted more than 190 suicide bombings, leaving some 1,300 injured or dead, a UN Security Council report said in May.
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