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Explosion rocks shrine in Kabul Deadly blast hits Afghan shrine
(40 minutes later)
A blast has rocked a shrine in the Afghan capital Kabul when it was packed with pilgrims on a national holiday. A blast has rocked a shrine packed with worshippers marking a Shia holy day in the Afghan capital, Kabul.
At least 20 people were killed, reports say, with many others injured. Officials say the blast was caused by a suspected suicide bomber. At least 20 people were killed, according to Kabul police spokesman Hashmat Stanikzai. A suicide bomber is thought to be responsible.
Another blast hit the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif at about the same time, killing four. Another blast hit the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif at about the same time, killing four people.
There are tensions between Afghan Sunni and minority Shia Muslims, but no recent history of sectarian attacks. The attacks appear to be of a sectarian nature unprecedented in recent Afghan history, correspondents say.
Shia Muslims are commemorating Ashura, a national holiday in Afghanistan.Shia Muslims are commemorating Ashura, a national holiday in Afghanistan.
It is the climax of Muharram - the month of mourning for the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson.It is the climax of Muharram - the month of mourning for the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson.
The blasts happened at about 1200 (0730 GMT). Women and children
The BBC's Quentin Sommerville in Kabul says it seems to be a co-ordinated attack with a sectarian element, with the Shia community the target. The near-simultaneous explosions happened at about midday (0730 GMT).
The bomb which exploded near the main mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif was apparently hidden in a bicycle, and went off shortly after the Kabul blast. The BBC's Quentin Sommerville in Kabul says women and children are among the dead, and sirens could be heard across the city as paramedics rushed to the scene.
It seems to be a co-ordinated attack with the Shia community the target - a sectarian attack of an unprecedented scale, our correspondent says.
There are tensions between Afghan Sunni and minority Shia Muslims, but violence of the type seen in Pakistan or Iraq is rare.
The blasts also caused scores of injuries, with sources at the Afghan health ministry saying 67 casualties have arrived at hospitals.
Police said they had foiled another attack elsewhere in the capital.
The bomb which exploded near the main mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif was apparently strapped to a bicycle, and went off shortly after the Kabul blast.
Balkh province Deputy Police Chief Abdul Raouf Taj said the bomb hit as a convoy of Shias was driving down the road, shouting in celebration of Ashoura, the Associated Press news agency reported.
The attacks come a day after an international conference on Afghanistan's future was held, in the German city of Bonn.
Pakistan boycotted the conference, after a Nato attack killed 24 of its troops at a checkpoint near the Afghan border last month.
Are you in Kabul? Were you in the area? Did you witness anything? Send us your comments and experiences.Are you in Kabul? Were you in the area? Did you witness anything? Send us your comments and experiences.