News - Middle East: At least 16 people have been killed, mostly children, and dozens of others injured in a powerful explosion at a religious school in northern Afghanistan’s city of Aybak, the capital of Samangan province.

A doctor in Aybak, about 200 kilometers (130 miles) north of the capital Kabul, told AFP that most of the dead and wounded were children and ordinary people.

A provincial official also confirmed the explosion at al-Jahad school, but did not provide accurate statistics on the number of casualties.

“A blast took place around 12:45 pm inside Jahad Madrasa in the center of the city. Lots of boys are studying at this madrasa [religious school],” said provincial spokesman Emdadullah Muhajir.

The Taliban say 10 students were killed and "many others" were wounded. Local officials said the blast was carried out during the afternoon prayer.