Afghan mosque blast kills at least 46 in challenge to Taliban

People view the damage inside of a mosque following a bombing in Kunduz, province northern Afghanistan, Friday, Oct. 8, 2021. A powerful explosion in the mosque frequented by a Muslim religious minority in northern Afghanistan on Friday has left several casualties, witnesses and the Taliban’s spokesman said. (AP Photo/Abdullah Sahil)

A blast has hit a mosque packed with Shiite Muslim worshippers in northern Afghanistan, killing at least 46 and wounding dozens in the latest security challenge to the Taliban as they transition from insurgency to governance.

The explosion tore through the mosque in the city of Kunduz during noon prayers, the highlight of the Muslim religious week. It blew out windows, charred the ceiling and scattered debris and twisted metal across the floor.