17 killed, 34 injured in blast at Afghan mosque – police

At least 17 people have been killed and 34 others injured in an explosion at a mosque in eastern Afghanistan, according to officials. Just days ago, twin explosions claimed by Islamic State left dozens dead.

The Sunday blast occurred in the eastern province of Khost while people were gathered after afternoon prayers, police spokesperson Basir Bina told Reuters, adding that the number of casualties could rise.

The mosque is also being used as a voter registration center ahead of parliamentary elections which are due to take place in October.

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It comes just weeks after a suicide bomb attack on a voter registration and ID center in Kabul led to the deaths of dozens of people. The attack, which injured more than 100 people, was claimed by Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS).

It also comes in the midst of the Taliban's annual spring offensive. A string of Taliban attacks last month saw the deaths of Afghan soldiers and police officers. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the Sunday mosque attack.

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