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Blasts in mosque kills 62 people, wounds 100 E. Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD, Oct 18 (KUNA) -- At least 62 people were killed and over 100 others injured in multiple blasts inside a mosque in Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province during Friday prayers, said officials.
The spokesman for Nangarhar's governor, Attaullah Khogyani told media that there were multiple blasts from explosives placed inside the mosque in the Jawdara area of Haska Mena district. The explosives were placed inside the mosque and detonated when the worshipers were praying. The roof of the mosque had completely fallen in due to the blast. The official confirmed that at least 62 people lost their lives while over 100 wounded. The death toll is feared to rise as many injuries were reported to critical. No group has so far claimed responsibility of the blast.
A statement by office of Afghan President, Ashraf Ghani strongly condemned the blasts and called out the Taliban for continuing to target civilians. The Taliban rebels have denied responsibility for the blasts, said local media.
Earlier, a report by United Nations Assistance Mission for Afghanistan (UNAMA) on civilian casualties recorded 4,313 civilians killed and wounded in the past three months in the country. Today's blast came at a time when counting of votes is underway for the fourth Afghan Presidential elections since the fall of the Taliban in 2001. UNAMA report indicated that at least 28 civilians were killed and over 249 others were wounded during the election day on September 28. The attacks targeting the electoral process caused 458 civilian casualties including 85 killed and 373 injured, UNAMA documented. (end) sbk.hb