At least 18 people killed and 21 injured in a mosque blast in Herat, Afghanistan

Digital Desk: An explosion blasted through a crowded mosque in western Afghanistan on Friday, killing at least 18 people and injuring 21, according to an Afghan priest. According to the Taliban, an Islamic cleric was also killed in the bombing.

The explosion occurred during Friday midday prayers at the Guzargah Mosque in the western city of Herat, the pinnacle of the Muslim religious week when places of worship are unusually packed. 

Mujib-ul Rahman Ansari, a famous imam recognized throughout Afghanistan for his criticism of Afghanistan's Western-backed administrations over the previous two decades, was killed in the explosion.

Ansari was believed to be connected to the Taliban, who took control of the nation a year ago when Western forces departed. The main Taliban spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, confirmed his death. The Interior Ministry official stated there were more dead and injured, but he couldn't say how many.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the explosion on Friday. Previous mosque assaults have been claimed by the Islamic State terrorist organization, which has carried out several attacks in Afghanistan targeting religious and ethnic minorities, as well as Taliban targets.

The Herat mosque attracts Sunni Muslims, Afghanistan's major stream that is also followed by the Taliban. In the year after the Taliban took over Afghanistan, the Islamic State carried out suicide assaults on mosques during Friday prayers, primarily targeting Shiite Muslims. Sunni adherents of the Islamic State see Shiites as infidels.