The Daesh group has asserted responsibility for a gun attack targeting a minority Shiite mosque in western Afghanistan, resulting in the tragic loss of six lives on Monday evening.
According to Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesperson for the interior ministry, the attack occurred at approximately 9:00 p.m. local time in the Guzara district of Herat province. An unidentified armed assailant opened fire on worshippers inside the mosque, resulting in six fatalities and one injury.
Contrary to initial reports of a single assailant, the regional chapter of Daesh claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging the involvement of multiple gunmen armed with machine guns. This assertion contradicts the official account provided by Afghan authorities.
Local residents identified the targeted mosque as serving the minority Shiite community and reported that the victims included an imam and a three-year-old child. Witnesses recounted the harrowing ordeal, describing a coordinated assault by a team of three gunmen who stormed the mosque during prayers.
Ibrahim Akhlaqi, the brother of the slain imam, lamented the tragic incident, stating that worshippers were caught in the crossfire as the gunmen opened fire indiscriminately. Another witness, Sayed Murtaza Hussaini, expressed shock and grief over the loss of lives in the place of worship.
In the aftermath of the attack, Afghan Taliban authorities have faced criticism for downplaying casualty figures in previous incidents, with accusations of attempts to minimize security threats. However, the true extent of the violence and its impact on the community underscores the persistent challenges faced by Afghanistan in ensuring peace and stability.
As investigations into the attack continue, authorities are working to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further acts of violence targeting religious minorities in the region. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing security threats facing Afghanistan and the urgent need for concerted efforts to address extremism and promote tolerance and coexistence among all communities.
According to Abdul Mateen Qani, spokesperson for the interior ministry, the attack occurred at approximately 9:00 p.m. local time in the Guzara district of Herat province. An unidentified armed assailant opened fire on worshippers inside the mosque, resulting in six fatalities and one injury.
Contrary to initial reports of a single assailant, the regional chapter of Daesh claimed responsibility for the attack, alleging the involvement of multiple gunmen armed with machine guns. This assertion contradicts the official account provided by Afghan authorities.
Local residents identified the targeted mosque as serving the minority Shiite community and reported that the victims included an imam and a three-year-old child. Witnesses recounted the harrowing ordeal, describing a coordinated assault by a team of three gunmen who stormed the mosque during prayers.
Ibrahim Akhlaqi, the brother of the slain imam, lamented the tragic incident, stating that worshippers were caught in the crossfire as the gunmen opened fire indiscriminately. Another witness, Sayed Murtaza Hussaini, expressed shock and grief over the loss of lives in the place of worship.
In the aftermath of the attack, Afghan Taliban authorities have faced criticism for downplaying casualty figures in previous incidents, with accusations of attempts to minimize security threats. However, the true extent of the violence and its impact on the community underscores the persistent challenges faced by Afghanistan in ensuring peace and stability.
As investigations into the attack continue, authorities are working to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent further acts of violence targeting religious minorities in the region. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing security threats facing Afghanistan and the urgent need for concerted efforts to address extremism and promote tolerance and coexistence among all communities.
