Kabul, Oct 14 (TIWN) A Taliban official was killed and 11 others were injured in an explosion on Thursday in Afghanistan's Kunar province, a sorce said.

Afghanistan's TOLO news agency quotes the director of information and culture of Kunduz as saying that at least 43 people are dead and more than 140 hurt in the suicide attack.  Dost Mohammad Obaida, a police official in the province, confirmed that "more than 100" were dead or wounded, according to The Associated Press. 

"I assure our Shiite brothers that the Taliban are prepared to ensure their safety," Obaida said, adding that an investigation was underway.  Earlier, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said that the mosque was specifically targeted, tweeting that "a number of our compatriots were martyred and wounded."  Obaida, the local police officer, said of the Shiites that "the Taliban are prepared to ensure their safety." 

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan later tweeted that it was "deeply concerned" about the reports.  "Today's incident is part of a disturbing pattern of violence: 3rd deadly attack this week apparently targeting a religious institution," UNAMA said.