Three Spanish tourists and an Afghan citizen were killed in a shooting attack in Bamiyan, Afghanistan, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The ministry is in contact with the EU Delegation in the area to assist the victims, clarify the circumstances, and contact their families. In addition to the fatalities, seven others were injured, including at least one Spaniard. Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the attack.
The Spanish Prime Minister confirmed the deaths of Spanish tourists in Afghanistan and expressed his condolences to their families and friends. The Ministry of the Interior of Afghanistan reported that four individuals were killed, three foreigners and one Afghan, in the shooting incident. Seven others were injured, four foreigners, and three Afghans. The attack took place while the tourists were leaving a bazaar in Bamiyan. The Islamic State of Khorasan (ISKP) is considered a likely perpetrator of the attack.
The Taliban government strongly condemned the incident and assured that the perpetrators would be found and punished. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against all travel to Afghanistan due to the risk of kidnapping or attacks. The European External Action Service of the EU condemned the armed attack on the foreign tourists in Bamiyan. Spain has closed its embassy in Kabul since 2021 and relocated it to Doha, Qatar, with limited consular support in Afghanistan.
Bamiyan is known for its monumental sculptures of Buddhas, which were severely damaged by the Taliban in 2001. The region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to ancient ruins and artifacts dating back to the first to thirteenth centuries. The attack has raised concerns about the security situation in Afghanistan and the growing presence of terrorist groups like ISIS under the Taliban government. The international community has been urged to take appropriate measures to address these risks and ensure regional stability.
