Many Feared Dead After Suicide Bomber Strikes At Shi’ite Mosque In Kabul (Photos)

A suicide bomber killed more than 30 people and wounded dozens on Monday in an explosion at a crowded Shi’ite mosque in the Afghan capital Kabul, officials said, the third major attack on minority Shi’ites in the city since July.

The attacker entered the Baqir-ul-Olum mosque shortly after midday as worshippers gathered for Arbaeen, a Shi’ite ritual marking the end of a 40-day mourning period for the 7th century death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohammad.

Fraidoon Obaidi, chief of the Kabul police Criminal Investigation Department, said at least 27 people were killed and 35 wounded.

The United Nations said at least 32 had been killed and more than 50 wounded, including many children. It described the attack as “an atrocity”.