The United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Tadamichi Yamamoto, condemned Friday’s attacks targeting mosques in Kabul city and Ghor province and said the incidents were “brutal and senseless”. 

The suicide attack inside the Imam-e-Zaman Mosque in Kabul claimed at least 50 lives, with 50 more wounded, the statement said, adding that all of the victims were civilians.

“These brutal and senseless attacks against people at prayer are atrocities,” said Yamamoto. 

“The persons most responsible for the attacks must be brought to justice.”

Daesh claimed responsibility for the attack.  

The suicide attack in the village of Khojagan in the Dolaina district of Ghor province targeted a local pro-government armed group leader and members of his group who had been praying in a Sunni mosque. At least nine people were killed and a further ten wounded. 

No group has claimed responsibility for this.

The incidents are the latest in a string of attacks against mosques, particularly Shi’a religious sites. 

UNAMA’s most recent quarterly report on civilian casualties notes that during the first nine months of 2017 attacks directed against the Shi’a population as they attended mosques or religious ceremonies resulted in 278 civilian casualties (84 deaths and 194 injured).

International humanitarian law prohibits deliberate attacks against civilians and civilian property, including places of worship, and places a specific obligation on parties to enable religious personnel to carry out their work.

In conclusion the statement said the Mission sends its condolences to the families of the victims and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.