The Islamic State group has claimed responsibility for a shooting targeting Shiite community members inside a mosque in Afghanistan’s Herat province, which resulted in the death of six people. The attack, carried out by a member of the militant group with a machine gun, took place in the district of Guzara on Monday night. The attacker managed to flee the scene, leaving one person wounded. The Taliban Interior Ministry has initiated an investigation into the incident, while local media reported that the mosque’s imam was among those killed. The U.N. mission in Afghanistan condemned the attack, highlighting that a child was also among the victims, and called for urgent accountability for the perpetrators as well as enhanced protection measures for Shiite communities.
In response to the attack, Afghanistan’s former President Hamid Karzai condemned the terrorist act, emphasizing that it went against religious and human standards. Pakistan’s foreign affairs ministry expressed condolence to the people of Afghanistan and condemned terrorism in all forms. The Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan is known for targeting various establishments including schools, hospitals, mosques, and Shiite communities throughout the country. The group serves as a significant rival to the Taliban, engaging in violent activities even after the Taliban’s seizure of power in August 2021 following the departure of U.S. and NATO troops from Afghanistan after two decades of war.
The Taliban, who took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, initially promised a more moderate stance but gradually reintroduced a strict interpretation of Islamic law, known as Shariah. This move echoes their previous rule in Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, where similar oppressive measures were implemented. The resurgence of violence targeting minority communities like Shiites has raised concerns about the security situation in the country, prompting calls for accountability for the perpetrators and improved protection measures for vulnerable groups. The ongoing attacks by militant groups such as the Islamic State affiliate further complicate the already volatile situation in Afghanistan, posing challenges for the new Taliban regime in maintaining stability and ensuring the safety of all citizens.
The international community has also expressed solidarity with the victims of the mosque shooting in Herat, with Pakistan extending heartfelt condolences to the people of Afghanistan. The statement from Pakistan’s foreign affairs ministry underscores the country’s condemnation of terrorism and its commitment to supporting Afghanistan during such tragic events. As neighboring countries like Pakistan continue to play a role in regional security efforts, the need for collective action against terrorism and extremism becomes increasingly important. The attack in Herat serves as a reminder of the persistent threats faced by Afghan communities, especially minority groups, and the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address these security challenges.
The involvement of militant groups like the Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan highlights the complex security dynamics in the region, as rival factions continue to engage in violent activities despite the Taliban’s control of the government. The attack on the Shiite mosque in Herat underscores the ongoing threats faced by minority communities in the country and emphasizes the vulnerabilities that persist in the post-U.S. troop withdrawal era. With the escalating violence and instability, there is a growing sense of urgency for enhanced security measures and concerted efforts to combat terrorism and extremism in Afghanistan. The tragic incident in Herat serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the country and the critical need for international support in addressing these pressing security concerns.
