Deadly Attack on Shia Families in Herat; Perpetrators Remain Unclear

Source: Amu TV

More than a week after the deadly attack on Shia families in Injil district of Herat, the perpetrators remain unclear and no group has claimed responsibility.

The incident occurred on Friday (10 April) in the Dah Mehri area near the shrine of Mohammad Agha, where several families had gathered for recreation but were targeted by gunfire from unidentified armed individuals.

Eyewitnesses have shared accounts that point suspicion towards the Taliban.

One witness, who requested anonymity, said, “The armed men were on motorcycles. They spoke Dari, but their accent was Pashto like.”

Meanwhile, a relative of the victims claims that Taliban officials from the Department for the Promotion of Virtue had previously warned them not to go to public places with their families.

He said, “They had told us not to take your women and daughters outside. When we went, they came in different clothes and attacked us.”

Some local residents also refer to previous statements by Taliban officials in Herat, which they say used harsh language when referring to the Shia community.

However, Taliban officials have so far remained silent on these allegations and have not provided a clear explanation.

In recent years, similar attacks against Shia communities in Afghanistan have occurred, many of which were claimed by the Islamic State group. However, in this case, the lack of any claim of responsibility has increased the uncertainty.

Critics say the continuation of such incidents and the lack of transparency regarding those responsible have raised concerns about the safety of religious minorities and serious questions about the accountability of the current authorities.

The families of the victims are calling for the truth to be revealed and for those responsible to be prosecuted, a demand that has so far gone unanswered.