At least 16 killed in Afghanistan seminary blast

A blast took place inside Jahdia Madrassa in northern city of Aybak

At least 16 people were killed and 24 others wounded on Wednesday by a blast at a madrassa in Afghanistan’s northern city of Aybak, a doctor at a local hospital said.

"A blast took place around 12:45pm inside Jahdia Madrassa in the centre of city. Lots of boys are studying at this madrassa (religious school)," Emdadullah Muhajir, spokesperson for Samangan's provincial government said.

It was not immediately clear who was behind the blast. Muhajir said an investigation had begun.

Interior ministry spokesperson Abdul Nafi Takor confirmed the blast but put the death toll so far at 10 with more injured.

"Our detective and security forces are working to identify the perpetrators of this unforgivable crime and bring them to justice," Takor said.

The Taliban say they are focused on securing the war-torn nation since taking over the country last year, however several attacks, including at mosques, have taken place in recent months, some of which have been claimed by the Islamic State, also known as Dai’sh.