Gunman Kills Six Worshippers at Mosque in Western Afghanistan

On April 29, 2024, a gunman attacked a mosque in the Guzara district of Herat province, western Afghanistan, killing six worshippers and injuring another. According to Interior Ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani, the attack occurred around 9:00 pm local time when "an unknown armed person shot at civilian worshippers at a mosque in which six civilians were martyred."

The state-run Bakhtar News Agency confirmed the death toll of six civilians. The attack took place in a district just south of the provincial capital of Herat city during evening prayers in the Shahrak area. All the victims were civilians, including a child.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet, analysts suggest that the regional chapter of the Islamic State poses the largest security threat in Afghanistan. This is the latest in a series of attacks targeting the Shia Hazara minority community in the country, which has faced large-scale kidnappings, killings, and bombings. In December, a similar attack in Herat killed the same number of people.

The Hazara community's vulnerability has increased since the Taliban takeover, as the regime has removed Hazaras from positions of power, outlawed their jurisprudence, and continues to persecute them. The Islamic State of Khorasan Province (ISKP) has carried out similar attacks on Hazaras in the past.

Why this matters: The attack highlights the ongoing security challenges and sectarian violence in Afghanistan, particularly targeting minority communities, despite the Taliban's claims of restoring stability since taking power in 2021. It raises concerns about the government's ability to protect vulnerable groups and maintain law and order across the country.

The Taliban government and Herat's security officials have not yet commented on the incident. The authorities of the Taliban interim government in Afghanistan have also not issued a statement regarding the attack. As investigations continue, the families of the victims mourn their loved ones killed in this latest act of violence against civilians in a place of worship.

Key Takeaways

• Gunman attacked mosque in Herat, Afghanistan, killing 6 worshippers.
• Attack occurred during evening prayers, all victims were civilians.
• No group claimed responsibility, but ISKP poses security threat in Afghanistan.
• Attack highlights ongoing sectarian violence targeting minority Hazara community.
• Taliban government has not commented on the incident, investigation ongoing.