August 2018 Gardez mosque attack

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.^[2][3]

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)[1]
Injured	70+
Perpetrator	Islamic State – Khorasan Province
No. of participants	2
Motive	Islamic terrorism

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.^[4]

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.^[5]

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.^[5]