HERAT, Afghanistan, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- A key cleric Mawlawi Mujib Rahman Ansari was killed in a blast outside a mosque in Afghanistan's western city of Herat Friday, a spokesman for provincial administration Hamidullah Matawakil has confirmed.
The official said the number of casualties could be higher and the reason for the blast has yet to be known.
Since scores of worshipers had gathered at the Gazar Gah mosque in the city to offer Friday congregation, the number of casualties, according to locals, could be higher than reported.
Mawlawi Ansari was a staunch supporter of the Taliban-run caretaker administration, according to locals. He had always called upon the Afghan people and the world community to support the establishment.
No group or individual has claimed responsibility for the blast. ■
