Taliban officials in Afghanistan confirmed that Mujib-ul-Rahman Ansari, a prominent cleric, was killed in an explosion at a crowded mosque on Friday.
Mujib-ul Rehman Ansari, a prominent Afghan cleric, was killed in a mosque blast on Friday. (image from twitter)
Mujib-ul Rehman Ansari, a prominent Afghan cleric, was killed on Friday in an explosion at the Gujargah mosque in the western city of Herat. According to local sources, 20 people were killed and around 200 others were injured in the blast.
The blast occurred during Friday afternoon prayers, which are considered the highlight of the Muslim religious week. It is also the time of day when mosques are most crowded.
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Who is Mujeeb-ul Rehman Ansari?
Mujib-ul Rehman Ansari was a prominent cleric known throughout Afghanistan for his criticism of the country’s Western-backed governments over the past two decades. He was seen as close to the Taliban, who took control of the country in 2021 with the withdrawal of foreign forces.
Ansari’s death was confirmed by Taliban’s chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.
So far no group or individual has claimed responsibility for the blast.
(with input from AP)
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