Afghanistan: Explosion kills 16 in provincial capital

At least 16 people have died in an explosion that unfolded in what seems to be a terrorist attack on a Taliban-controlled Afghan town of Aybak, Samangan province, local media reported on Wednesday.

A religious seminar was shaken by a blast on Wednesday, killing 15 people, a provincial spokesperson was quoted by Reuters as saying.

Jordanian news outlet Al-Bawwab News pegged the number of wounded at 27 against Reuters’ 20.

#BREAKING: Over 23 killed and at least 30 injured after an explosion inside Jihadiya Madrasa during noon prayers in the city of Aybak at the center of Samangan Province of #Afghanistan. Casualties likely to increase.

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— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) November 30, 2022

No terrorist organisation immediately claimed responsibility.

The Taliban seized the city in August 2021.

In the absence of U.S. forces and with a variety of armed groups at large, the Taliban have been struggling to secure the war-torn country. Despite the Taliban's efforts, several attacks rattled Afghanistan, some of which have been claimed by the Islamic State.