Two killed, 14 injured in Afghan mosque explosion

Two killed, 14 injured in Afghan mosque explosion

2011-08-27 01:17:51 GMT+7 (ICT)

MAIMANA, AFGHANISTAN (BNO NEWS) -- Two people were killed after a bomb exploded at a mosque in western Afghanistan on Friday, officials said. More than a dozen others were injured.

The blast came from an explosive device which was attached to a parked motorcycle within the mosque's grounds, which is located in the Almar district of Afghanistan's western province of Faryab.

In addition to the two worshipers who were killed in the blast, at least 14 others were reported wounded. According to medical officials at the Maimana Civil Hospital, where the victims were taken, four of the injured were in critical condition.

Local authorities are still investigating the case, as the target of the attack remains uncertain. However, the blast took place following Juma prayers, which were attended by the district police commander and other government officials.

Both Afghan President Hamid Karzai and the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) condemned the attack. "Again, insurgents have murdered and maimed innocent civilians," said Gen. John Allen, Commander of ISAF. "It's clear from these many callous acts that the lives and livelihoods of Afghan citizens mean nothing to these enemies of Afghanistan."

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