Explosion Near Hazara Mosque in Afghanistan Kills One, Wounds Three
An improvised explosive device detonated near the Seh Dokan mosque in Mazar-e-Sharif’s District 2 on Monday morning, killing one woman and injuring three others, Amu TV reported. The blast occurred at approximately 8:20 a.m. local time in this predominantly Hazara Shiite neighborhood, marking the latest attack against Afghanistan’s religious minority communities.
Eyewitnesses reported the device was planted near the mosque entrance, a recurring target for violence. In 2022, a suicide bombing at the same location caused mass casualties. Local Taliban authorities in Balkh Province have yet to issue any official statement regarding today’s incident, continuing a pattern of limited transparency in attacks against Hazara populations.
The attack follows recent UN reports documenting over 15 Hazara-targeted explosions in 2024 alone, with ISIS-K claiming responsibility for most. Analysts note escalating sectarian violence since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover, particularly during religious observances. Security experts warn that inadequate protection for Shiite sites and inconsistent Taliban responses enable further attacks.
Victims were transported to nearby hospitals, with one critically injured. The mosque remains operational but under heightened vigilance. Community leaders have called for international attention to systematic threats against Hazaras, who constitute approximately 10% of Afghanistan’s population.
