Today in history: On August 1, 2017 – A suicide attack on a mosque in Herat, Afghanistan kills 20 people

 

On August 1, 2017, a devastating suicide attack struck the Jawadia Mosque in Herat, a city in western Afghanistan near the Iranian border. The mosque, which belonged to the Shiite Muslim community, was packed with worshippers attending evening prayers when two attackers launched a coordinated assault. One assailant began shooting at the crowd outside the mosque before the other detonated his explosives inside the prayer hall. The horrific explosion killed at least 20 people and injured more than 30 others, turning a moment of peace and devotion into a scene of bloodshed and chaos. Witnesses described a horrifying scene of screams, smoke, and mutilated bodies strewn across the sacred space.

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The attack underscored the growing sectarian tensions and insecurity plaguing Afghanistan at the time. While no group immediately claimed responsibility, suspicions pointed toward ISIS, which had been increasingly active in targeting Shiite minorities in Afghanistan to fuel religious divisions. The Taliban, although responsible for many attacks in the country, denied involvement. The tragedy sparked outrage across the nation, prompting renewed calls for improved security for vulnerable communities and places of worship. It also highlighted the challenge faced by Afghan authorities in curbing the influence and violence of extremist factions operating with impunity within the country.

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