The explosion hit the Imam Barga mosque while Shia worshippers were gathering at packed Friday prayers, leaving local media reporting multiple casualties, although an exact number is not yet known.
Footage circulating on social media showed the aftermath of the blast, with smoke billowing from the area where the mosque is located, in the center of the city.
Distressing videos showed bodies, covered by blankets, as they were surrounded by worshippers who attempted to help them in the wake of the explosion.
The cause of the blast has not been confirmed but it is thought to have been a suicide bombing. If that is the case, it would mark the second suicide bombing in Afghanistan in recent weeks, with IS-K having taken responsibility for an explosion in Kunduz last week.
Kandahar has been under the Taliban’s control since August 13, as the militant group swiftly gained territory across Afghanistan ahead of their ousting of the country’s government.
