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Suicide bomber disguised as shepherd kills 5 in Afghan capital

Suicide bomber disguised as shepherd kills 5 in Afghan capital
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KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (Radio Free Europe/CNN) - There was a scene of devastation after a suicide bombing near a Shiite mosque in the Afghan capital of Kabul on Friday. 

Afghan security officials said at least five people were killed and about 20 wounded in the attack, in which a suicide bomber was disguised as a shepherd.

The blast took place as Friday prayers were ending, and a day before Ashura, the biggest holiday in the Shiite calendar.

There has been an increase in attacks on Afghanistan's Shiite minority in recent years, by both Taliban and Islamic State militants. Last month, 20 Shias were killed during an attack on a mosque elsewhere in Kabul.

At least 8,000 U.S. troops are serving in Afghanistan. Defense Secretary James Mattis has announced plans to send 3,000 more. 

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