Death Toll Rises to 11 in Gunmen Attack on Civilians in Afghanistan's Herat Province
Unidentified gunmen attacked civilians in the Dehmiri area of Injil district in Herat province, killing at least 11 people and wounding others.
Pajhwok Afghan News reported Friday that the death toll from Thursday's assault has risen to 11, with eight people still receiving treatment at Herat zonal hospital. Interior Ministry spokesperson Abdul Matin Qane initially reported seven killed and 13 injured.
Hospital sources cited by Amu TV said 12 people were killed and 20 wounded. Taliban officials from the Information and Culture Directorate reported 11 dead and eight wounded, according to Amu TV.
Amu TV and Hasht-e Subh said the attack targeted Shiite families out for recreation. Residents quoted by Hasht-e Subh expressed anger over the machine-gunning, questioning Taliban claims of nationwide security and saying Herat is no longer safe amid rising theft and murders.
Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, called for an independent investigation, stating the incident matches a worrying pattern.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Taliban security officials, including Mawlawi Ahmadullah Muttaqi, vowed a thorough probe and to bring perpetrators to justice. Pajhwok reported that one suspect has been arrested.
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Where reports agree
- Armed attack by unknown gunmen occurred in Injil district, Herat province
- Victims include civilians (possibly Shiites) out for recreation
- Multiple fatalities and injuries reported
- No claim of responsibility
- Taliban authorities acknowledge incident and promise investigation
Where reports differ
- Casualty figures: range from 7-12 dead and 8-20 injured across sources and officials
- Explicit targeting of Shiites: confirmed in Amu TV and Hasht-e Subh, not specified in Pajhwok
- One suspect arrested: only in Pajhwok
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