10 Sep 2019 | 03:13 PM UTC
Afghanistan: Explosion reported in Balkh province September 10
Explosion reported in PD5 area of Mazar-e-Sharif city (Balkh province) September 10; avoid the area
Event
An explosion was reported in the morning (local time) of Tuesday, September 10, in the PD5 area of Mazar-e-Sharif in the Balkh province. The incident killed one person and injured two others. Initial reports indicate that the blast may have come from a bomb attached to a bicycle, which detonated near the Grand Blue Mosque. According to police officials, the blast targeted mourners participating in nearby Ashura procession.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as of Tuesday.
Context
Muharram is a month of remembrance for Muslims, who mourn from the first night of Muharram and continue for ten nights, culminating with a large procession on the 10th of Muharram, the Day of Ashura. In Afghanistan in 2019, the period begins with the Islamic New Year on August 31, with Ashura observed between the evenings of September 9 and September 10.
Advice
Individuals in Mazar-e-Sharif are advised to monitor the situation, avoid the area, avoid large public gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home government.
The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel
