<span style="color: #222222;">In Afghanistan, at least 18 people, including a prominent cleric close to the Taliban, have been killed in an explosion at a crowded mosque in western part of the country on Friday. <br />''<br />''At least 21 people were injured. The explosion occurred during Friday noon prayers at the Guzargah Mosque in Herat. <br />''<br />''Among the dead was Mujib-ul Rahman Ansari, a prominent cleric who was known across Afghanistan for his criticism of the country's Western-backed governments over the past two decades. <br />''<br />''Ansari was seen as close to the Taliban. His death was confirmed by the chief Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid. <br />''<br />''Mohammad Daud Mohammadi, an official at the Herat ambulance center said that ambulances transported 18 bodies to hospitals in Herat. No one has claimed responsibility for the blast.</span><br />