One Dead in Blast at Mosque in Afghanistan

A blast in a mosque in northern Afghanistan, according to the Taliban, killed at least one person and injured eight more.

The Taliban's head of information and culture for Badghis Province, Baz Mohammad Sarwari, told RFE/Radio RL's Azadi that it was unclear if the explosion on February 11 was caused by a suicide bomber or an explosive device, and that an investigation into the incident had been initiated.

He claimed the explosion occurred after Friday prayers at the mosque, where scores of people had gathered earlier.

No one claimed blame for the blast right away. Similar attacks have already been claimed by the local Islamic State affiliate.

After the blast, local people reported Radio Azadi that the Taliban cordoned off the area around the mosque and closed roads going to the area.