In Afghanistan, a suicide blast at a mosque in an army base in the Ismail Khel district of the eastern province of Khost on Friday killed at least 26 people and wounded 50.

Security officials in the area said there was no immediate claim of responsibility.

The victims had gathered for Friday prayers at the mosque. A military spokesman Captain Abdullah said all those killed in the suicide attack were working for the Afghan security forces.

Friday's attack came three days after a suicide bomber detonated his explosives at a gathering of religious scholars in Kabul, the capital.

Officials said 55 scholars marking the birthday of the Prophet Mohammad were killed and more than 90 injured in the blast in a banquet hall.