ISIS has claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing of a Shia mosque in the Afghan city of Kandahar on Friday that a government official said killed dozens of people.

The group said in a statement that its two fighters shot the guards of the mosque dead, broke in and blew themselves up between two groups of worshipers.

The explosions occurred at midday when hundreds of worshipers were offering Friday prayers.

Haifz Sayyed from the Cultural and Information Directorate of the local government confirmed that at least 47 people were killed and 90 others injured, Xinhua news agency reported on Saturday. Earlier reports said 32 people died and 68 were injured.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the attack "despicable." He also expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and wished those injured a quick recovery, according to a statement. 

The Security Council, in a separate response, underlined the need to hold perpetrators, organizers, financiers and sponsors of the "reprehensible acts of terrorism" accountable and bring them to justice.

"Those responsible need to be held to account," the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) echoed.

Countries including Pakistan and Iran have also voiced condemnation of the bombing attack.

(With input from agencies)