The attack on worshippers at a mosque in southern Kandahar province during Friday prayers was widely condemned by a number of countries, politicians and international organizations.

The United States, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, the UN and various other countries denounced the attack.

Friday's attack took the lives of nearly 50 worshippers and injured over 70 people, according to local officials.

US State Department spokesperson Ned Price condemned the attack, saying: “The Afghan people have the right to live and worship in peace and safety whichever religion or belief they choose.”

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said those behind the attack should be brought to justice. “I condemn in the strongest terms the despicable attack on the Imam Baragah mosque in Kandahar City, Afghanistan. The perpetrators of this latest crime against civilians exercising their right to freely practice their religion must be brought to justice.”

The Russian foreign ministry said the Afghan authorities should take measures to improve security and ensure the safety of the people. “We condemn this inhuman terrorist act. We do expect that its organizers will be tracked down and properly punished," Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said.

Pakistan's ambassador to Afghanistan Mansoor Ahmad Khan has also said his country condemns Friday's attack in Kandahar.

The Iranian foreign ministry has also condemned the attack.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan also denounced the attack and said it shows that terrorism continues in Afghanistan.

The Islamic Emirate has called the attack a major crime.

Eyewitnesses said three back-to-back explosions hit Imam Bargah Fatimeyah mosque, one of the largest mosques in Kandahar city during the Friday prayers.

According to eyewitnesses, three men equipped with guns and explosives first opened fire on the worshippers and then exploded their explosives at three different parts of the mosque.  

Daesh has claimed responsibility for the attack.