EU Condemns Attack on Civilians at Shrine in Herat's Anjil District
HERAT, Afghanistan -- An armed attack struck civilians at the shrine of Sayyid Muhammad Agha Sabzpoush in Dehmiri village, Anjil district of Herat province, about 13 km from the city center, around 3:15 p.m. on Friday.
Four masked gunmen riding motorcycles used Kalashnikovs and pistols. They looted victims' belongings, separated men from women, then shot the men, killing several mostly from the Shia community before fleeing the scene.
Casualty reports differ. Sources at Herat provincial hospital said 12 people were killed and 20 wounded. The Taliban Ministry of Interior reported 7 killed and 13 wounded.
Named victims included Arbab Sultan Ahmad and his two sons. Images of the victims circulated on social media.
The European Union condemned the attack as unjustifiable, stating that all terrorist acts against civilians are unacceptable. EU representatives expressed condolences and solidarity with the victims and their families.
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Where reports agree
- Attack on civilians at specified shrine in Dehmiri village, Anjil district, Herat
- Attack details: 4 masked men on motorcycles, looted then shot after separating genders
- EU condemnation and condolences
- Taliban MOI reported casualties
- Herat hospital reported casualties
- Images of victims published on social media
Where reports differ
- Casualty figures: 12 killed/20 wounded (hospital) vs 7 killed/13 wounded (Taliban MOI)
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