Friday prayers bombing kills 26 Afghan security guards

At least 26 people have been killed when an explosion hit a mosque in an army base in eastern Afghanistan, local security officials say.

The blast took place in Ismail Khel district in the eastern province of Khost as the victims were gathering for Friday prayers, one security official said.

Some 50 people were also wounded in the bomb attack.

Captain Abdullah, a military spokesman in the province, said all those killed in the blast were working for the security forces.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the blast.

The attack came two days after Afghanistan’s Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah said the Taliban militant group is not serious in peace talks aimed at ending hostilities in the country.

SS