8 dead in Afghanistan mosque attack

At least eight members of a family have been killed after unknown gunmen opened fire at a mosque in Afghanistan's eastern Nangarhar province, reports thewest.

Provincial governor Ziaulhaq Amarkhail said the incident on Sunday happened in police district nine of the provincial capital, Jalalabad.

"Initial findings show the incident happened as a result of a dispute over private land," Amarkhail said.

A police official said they are investigating the incident, but no one has yet been arrested.

Clashes about disputed land are common across Afghanistan.

Last April, at least six tribal members were killed and nearly 20 others wounded in armed clashes about disputed land in the same province. The fighting lasted for several days.

The eastern province of Nangarhar, a stronghold of the Taliban and Islamic State, is rich in plains and is one of the most important areas for agriculture in Afghanistan.

Agencies