On October 16, 2016, a remote-controlled bomb detonated at the entrance of a Shia Mosque in Khaja Gholak, the center of Balkh district. The explosion resulted in the deaths of 18 civilians and injuries to 67 others, including 36 children. The incident occurred as dozens of Shias Muslims gathered to commemorate the Day of Ashura in the Balkh district of Balkh province. Eyewitnesses reported that unidentified individuals fired on people who had gathered for rescue at the mosque after the explosion. No group or individual claimed responsibility for the attack.