UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned Friday’s attack at a mosque in western Afghanistan that left 18 people dead and 23 injured.

Iran PressAmerica: At least 20 people were killed in a blast that rocked a mosque in northwestern Afghanistan during Friday prayers, Afghan media reported.

The Guzargah mosque in the city of Herat was bombed at around 12:40 pm (local time), Khamaa Press reported, citing authorities run by the Taliban. The Taliban spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, said Mawlawi Mujib Rahman Ansari, the cleric who led the prayers, was killed in what he described as a cowardly attack carried out by the “enemies of religion.

“The Secretary-General condemns today’s attack and conveys his deep condolences tothe families of those killed and wishes a prompt recovery to the injured,” SpokespersonEri Kaneo said in a statement at the regular noon briefing.

“The right to freedom of religion must be protected at all times,” the statement added.

According to media reports, an explosion tore through Guzargah Mosque in Herat during the Jumma prayers when it was full of namazis. 219

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Blast at mosque in western Afghanistan kills cleric, civilians