Armed Attack on Shia Gathering Near Herat Shrine Kills 13, Former Diplomats Condemn Targeting of Minorities
HERAT, Afghanistan -- Unknown assailants launched an armed attack on a Shia civilian gathering near a local shrine in Herat province on Friday, killing 13 people and wounding nine others, according to sources.
The victims included men, women and children from multiple families. The Coordinating Council of the Previous Government's Diplomatic and Consular Missions reported at least 11 killed and several wounded in the assault.
In a statement, the council condemned the incident as alarming and a deliberate targeting of religious minorities, describing it as a serious threat to vulnerable communities. It urged the United Nations and international organizations to conduct immediate independent investigations, ensure accountability for the perpetrators and enhance protection for religious sites.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack more than two days after it occurred.
Funerals for the victims are scheduled for Sunday, while human rights activists have called for a probe into the incident.
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