In a horrific incident in western Afghanistan, a gunman stormed a mosque during evening prayers, claiming the lives of six worshippers. The targeted mosque, frequented by the country's Shiite Muslim minority, became the scene of tragedy in the Guzara district of Herat province on Monday night.

While the assailant managed to escape, leaving one worshipper wounded, the attack has elicited swift condemnation from both local and international figures. Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai condemned the violence as a "terrorist act against all religious and human standards," echoing the sentiments of many outraged by the senseless loss of life.

Suspicions point towards the Islamic State group's affiliate in Afghanistan, a major rival to the Taliban, though no group has claimed responsibility yet. The attack underscores the ongoing threats faced by vulnerable populations in Afghanistan, with the need for urgent accountability and enhanced protection measures for Shiite communities emphasized by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan.

As investigations into the mosque attack continue, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in achieving lasting stability and safeguarding the rights of all Afghan citizens amidst the evolving landscape of violence and extremism.