Afghan mosque blast kills 18, including senior cleric
Herat (Afghanistan)(AP): An explosion tore through a crowded mosque in western Afghanistan on Friday, killing at least 18 people, including a prominent cleric, Taliban officials and a local medic said. At least 21 people were hurt.
The blast went off in the Guzargah Mosque in the western city of Herat during Friday noon prayers, the highlight of the Muslim religious week when places of worship are particularly crowded.
The explosion killed Mujib-ul Rahman Ansari, a prominent cleric who was known across Afghanistan for his criticism of the country's Western-backed governments over the past two decades. Ansari was seen as close to the Taliban, who seized control over the country a year ago as foreign forces withdrew.
His death was confirmed by the chief Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid.
Ambulances transported 18 bodies and 21 wounded people from the blast to hospitals in Herat, said Mohammad Daud Mohammadi, an official at the Herat ambulance centre.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Friday's blast.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
8 TTP terrorists killed in police operation in Pakistan's KPK
Peshawar (PTI): At least eight terrorists, associated with the banned outfit TTP, were killed and several others injured during a major police operation in Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Sunday, police said.
The operation was conducted in the border area between Kohat and Karak districts, situated in the southern parts of the province.
ALSO READ: Trump says Ukraine and Russia are 'closer than ever' to peace after talks with Zelenskyy
According to Regional Police Officer (RPO) Kohat, Abbas Majeed Marwat, the operation was initiated after intelligence reports indicated the presence of Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) terrorists in the Karkando area, under the jurisdiction of Khurram Police Station.
He said other terrorists were injured in the operation, which is being conducted under his direct supervision.
The RPO added that the operation is still ongoing and multiple hideouts of the militants in the mountainous terrain were destroyed.
He further said that the bodies of the slain terrorists remain in the hilly area, as their accomplices are attempting to retrieve the bodies by opening fire on police.
