On 18 October 2019, a bombing occurred in a mosque in Haska Meyna District, Nangarhar province, Afghanistan, killing at least 73 worshippers.[3] Dozens more were injured in the attack. No group has claimed responsibility.[4]
Attack
A bomb exploded during Friday prayer at the mosque, located in the Jawdara village of Haska Meyna District. Hundreds were there to take part in the prayer when the bomb detonated killing 72 and injuring at least 36 other people.[5] The blast caused the roof to collapse, leaving many bodies under the rubble.[6][7] The New York Times reported that the blast was caused by a suicide bomber, who entered the mosque during men's prayer and detonated explosives.[8]
Among the victims of the blast were 23 teenagers and children, along with the village's only doctor, Mohammed Aref, and several of his family members. Two teachers were also killed in the attack.[2][8]
Responsibility
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.[4] The Taliban denied responsibility, instead claiming the explosions and collapse of the mosque were caused by a government mortar attack.[1]
References
- ^ a b "Afghanistan mosque bombing: death toll rises". The Guardian. Retrieved 19 October 2019.
- ^ a b "Death toll rises to 73 in Afghanistan mosque bombing". UPI. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
- ^ "Afghanistan mosque bombing kills 62 worshippers". 18 October 2019 – via BBC News.
- ^ a b "Blasts in Afghanistan mosque kill scores of worshippers". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 18 October 2020.
- ^ "Bombing at Afghanistan mosque kills at least 60". UPI. Retrieved 2019-10-20.
- ^ "Explosions At Mosque Kill At Least 62 People In Afghanistan". NPR.org. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
- ^ "Mosque bombing kills 62 people in eastern Afghanistan". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 October 2019.
- ^ a b "Afghan Village of 70 Families Faces Ruin With Mosque Massacre". The New York Times. Retrieved 20 October 2019.
