Global condemnation after gunmen open fire at shrine in Afghanistan

Pic/AFP

Widespread condemnation followed a deadly gun attack at a shrine in Afghanistan's Injil district, where armed assailants opened fire on civilians, killing and injuring several people. The incident took place in Herat province and has raised fresh concerns over the safety of minority communities in the region, reported news agency IANS.

According to local reports, gunmen on motorcycles targeted worshippers at close range after allegedly separating men from women. Several victims are believed to belong to the Shia community. Eyewitness accounts suggest the attackers looted victims before opening fire and fleeing the scene, reported IANS.

European Union Condemns ‘Heinous Attack'

The European Union strongly condemned the violence, calling it an unjustifiable act of terror against civilians. In a statement, the EU expressed deep condolences to the families of the victims and extended solidarity to those affected by the attack, reported IANS.

The EU reiterated its stance against all forms of violence targeting civilians, regardless of the perpetrators, and stressed the need for accountability.

UN Calls for Independent Investigation

Richard Bennett, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, called for a thorough and independent investigation into the incident. He noted that the attack appears to follow a troubling pattern of violence targeting Shia community members, reported IANS.

Bennett emphasised that those responsible must be brought to justice, underlining the importance of accountability in preventing further such incidents, reported IANS.

Hamid Karzai Terms Attack ‘Crime Against Humanity'

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai condemned the attack in strong terms, describing it as a crime against humanity. He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and prayed for the recovery of those injured, reported IANS.

Karzai also highlighted that women and children were among the victims, underscoring the brutality of the assault on civilians.

Conflicting Casualty Figures, Rising Concerns Over Safety

Reports indicate discrepancies in casualty figures, with hospital sources suggesting higher numbers than official accounts. The lack of clarity has added to concerns surrounding transparency and the scale of the attack, reported IANS.

In recent years, western Afghanistan has witnessed repeated incidents of violence targeting minority communities, particularly Shia groups. The latest attack has once again brought attention to the persistent security challenges in the region.

The incident underscores growing fears of recurring targeted violence, even as international voices call for urgent measures to ensure civilian protection and accountability.

(With inputs from IANS)