8 worshippers dead in Parwan mosque attack

KABUL in central Parwan province.

The attack occurred in Khalalzai village on the outskirts of Charikar, the provincial capital, police said, adding that all victims were civilians.

Parwan police chief Haroon Mubarez said the Taliban had a strong presence in the area, but the insurgent movement moved swiftly to deny its involvement.

The assailants opened fire on people breaking their Ramadan fast inside the mosque, according to Wahida Shahkar, spokeswoman for the governor.

In Kabul, the Ministry of Interior accused the Taliban of firing at the worshippers, but the insurgent group blamed the security forces.

Also on Tuesday, eight Afghan soldiers were killed while repelling a Taliban attack on the strategic northern city of Kunduz.

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