Islamic State Claims Responsibility for Kandahar Mosque Attack That Killed 47

Video Producer: Naman Shah

Video Editor: Abhishek Sharma

The Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the explosion at a Shi'ite mosque in the Afghan city of Kandahar during Friday prayers on 15 October, that killed at least 47 people.

Seventy people have reportedly been wounded in the blast, and the number of casualties may rise, reports said, quoting Taliban officials.

Former member of the provincial council, Nematullah Wafa stated that the explosion occurred in Kandahar's Imam Bargah mosque, Reuters reported.

Friday's explosion comes exactly a week after a suicide bomber detonated an explosive vest in a Shi'ite mosque in Afghanistan's Kunduz city. At least 50 people were killed in the attack.

The IS had claimed responsibility for the bombing. Taliban's rival, the IS, has a history of carrying out targeted violence on Shi'ites in the Sunni-majority country.