An explosion rocked the city of Mazar-i-Sharif in Balkh province early Monday morning, sparking fresh concerns over Afghanistan’s fragile security landscape. The blast occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. near the Shiite “Seh Dokan” mosque, located in the predominantly Hazara-populated second security district of the city.
Local sources reported the explosion, which has yet to be addressed by Taliban authorities. At the time of reporting, there were no official statements on the nature of the blast or the number of casualties.
The Seh Dokan area, closely associated with the Shiite community, has previously been a target of sectarian attacks, and the timing and location of this incident have heightened fears among residents. No group has claimed responsibility for the explosion.
Observers have voiced concern over the persistent vulnerability of minority groups, particularly the Hazaras, amid a series of unaddressed attacks in recent months. The incident underscores the ongoing challenge facing the Taliban in ensuring the security of all citizens, especially in ethnically and religiously diverse regions.
The explosion marks another setback for peace-building efforts in Afghanistan, as the country continues to grapple with instability, political uncertainty, and mounting threats to its minority populations. Further investigation and an official response from the Taliban administration are awaited.
