At least 6 killed in Afghanistan mosque bombing

KABUL, Afghanistan

At least six people were killed and 20 others injured when a bomb exploded inside a mosque near Afghanistan's capital during Friday prayers.

The incident took place in Haji Bakshi village on the outskirts of Kabul, according to Gawhar Khan, the governor of Shakar Dara district in Kabul province.

He said the bomb was planted inside the mosque, apparently targeting prayer leader Mufti Nauman, a pro-government religious scholar who is among the victims. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for this attack.

Police confirmed the incident, and dispatched a team for further investigation.

Violence has risen in Afghanistan in recent weeks, especially after Washington announced plans to pull out all US troops by Sept. 11. A huge unclaimed attack on a school in Kabul killed dozens of students on May 8.

The Taliban declared a three-day cease-fire, which was reciprocated by the Afghan government, for the Islamic religious holiday of Eid.

Statistics provided by the Interior Ministry suggest at least 300 civilians have been killed and 500 others injured since April 14.