An explosion in a mosque in the Afghan capital Kabul has claimed the lives of at least twelve people. The explosion comes at a time when Afghanistan is under a short truce due to the end of Ramadan.
The explosion, according to police, took place during Friday prayers. In addition to the fatalities, including the imam of the mosque, 15 were also injured. It is not immediately clear who is behind the explosion.
A three-day ceasefire between the Taliban and the Afghan government has been in force in Afghanistan since Thursday. The militant organization had proclaimed it because of Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Sugar Feast. The army has been called upon by the government to respect the truce.
The Taliban’s announcement was welcomed by President Ashraf Ghani, who is calling for a permanent truce. Since it was announced that all international troops would leave Afghanistan before September 11, the group has been carrying out more and more attacks.
The Taliban were in power in Afghanistan until 2001, when they were deposed by the United States in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks.