August 2018 Gardez mosque attack

2018 Gardez Mosque Attack
Part of War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)
Location	Gardez, Afghanistan
Coordinates	33°36′11″N 69°13′19″E
Date	3 August 2018
Target	Shiites
Attack type	Suicide bombing, shooting
Weapons	Explosive belts, assault rifles
Deaths	48 (including two perpetrators)
Injured	70+
Perpetrator	Islamic State – Khorasan Province
No. of participants	2
Motive	Islamic terrorism

On 3 August 2018, a suicide attack was carried out by two members of the Islamic State terrorist group at a Shiite mosque in Gardez, eastern Afghanistan. The attack left 48 dead, including three children, and more than 70 injured.

The attack

During Salat prayer on Friday, 3 August 2018, two members of the Islamic State clad in burqas burst into the Shia mosque of Gardez. There they opened fire on the worshippers before activating their explosive vests.

Aftermath

An initial report on the day of the attack gave a total of 29 dead and 81 injured. A new count the next day reported 35 dead, including 3 children, and 94 injured. 17 people were evacuated by helicopter to Kabul.

Responsibility

The Taliban rapidly denied all responsibility for the attack. The Islamic State, through its agency Amaq, claimed responsibility during a message on the evening of August 4.