In western Afghanistan's Herat province, a tragic incident unfolded as a gunman entered a mosque, targeting worshippers and claiming the lives of six individuals.
The assault, which occurred in the Guzara district around 9 p.m. on Monday, left one person injured, as reported by Abdul Mateen Qani, a spokesperson for the interior ministry, through a social media post on the X platform early Tuesday.
The mosque, situated in close proximity to Herat city, was frequented by members of the Shiite minority community, with reports indicating that the victims included the imam and a three-year-old child. Contrary to the official narrative, eyewitnesses asserted that a trio of assailants carried out the attack, with one stationed outside while the other two stormed into the mosque during prayers, unleashing gunfire upon the worshippers.
Reflecting on the aftermath, Ibrahim Akhlaqi, the brother of the slain imam, recounted the harrowing ordeal, emphasizing that the assault occurred amidst the sacred act of prayer, resulting in tragic consequences for those present. Sayed Murtaza Hussaini, another witness, lamented the extensive toll of casualties, with many either losing their lives or sustaining injuries during the violent onslaught.
Although no organization has claimed responsibility for the attack, the local branch of Daesh remains a prominent security concern in Afghanistan. Despite assurances from the Taliban government, which assumed power in August 2021, to safeguard the rights and interests of religious and ethnic minorities, critics argue that substantive action has yet to materialize. The continued vulnerability of minority groups to acts of violence and persecution underscores this sentiment.
One of the most egregious incidents associated with the Daesh post-Taliban resurgence occurred in 2022, wherein a suicide bombing at an educational institution in Kabul claimed the lives of at least 53 individuals, predominantly young girls and women from the Shiite community. Although Taliban authorities attributed the attack to Daesh, it serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring the safety and security of all Afghan citizens, regardless of their religious or ethnic affiliation.
