In the Afghan capital of Kabul, a suicide bomber detonated explosives in a crowded Shiite mosque on Nov. 21. Just before noon prayers, worshippers that were observing Arbaeen were shocked by the explosion. Social media brought the bombing to attention as photos of the mosque hall in ruins circulated. Photographs of children and adult civilians covered in dust and blood were also shared.

This was not the first time an incident like this has occurred. Forty days earlier, there was an assault on another Shiite shrine on the eve of Ashura. A spokesperson of the Kabul police, Abdul Basir Mujahid, claimed that 27 people were killed and 35 were wounded in the explosion. Bodies and wounded victims were taken to Istiqlal Hospital. The hospital is now pleading for the public to donate blood for the victims.

“I would want to go help them out, seeing as how I’d want someone to do the same for me if I were in this situation,” senior Juan Padron said.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. A spokesperson from the Taliban denied any allegations that the bombing was the work of the group. Officials believe that the attack was committed by Islamic State affiliates as they have targeted the minority over the past few years.

This is not the only time such an unfortunate event has occurred in the region. Many suicide bomber attacks have occurred in the Middle East, most being hate crimes and terrorists attacks.