Daesh claims gun attack killing seven worshippers in Afghan mosque

The Daesh terrorist group has claimed responsibility for a gun attack on a minority Shiite mosque in western Afghanistan that killed seven people, including women and a kid.

The gunman stormed Imam Zaman mosque in Guzara district of Herat province and opened fire on worshippers as they were praying. Taliban Interior Ministry spokesman, Abdul Mateen Qani said that they have launched an investigation on the shooting. The Imam of the mosque was among those killed and the attacker fled the scene. Police in coordination with the defense forces are chasing the Daesh shooter.

I strongly condemn the attack on the Imam Zaman mosque, former Afghan president Hamid Karzai said on X. I consider this terrorist act to be against all religious and human standards. I have expressed my deepest condolences to the families of the victims of this tragic incident,” he furthered.

Unfortunately, once again, a number of our dear compatriots were martyred and a number of others were injured in a terrorist attack on the worshipers of the Imam Zaman mosque, said Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, former head of high peace council.

Daesh targeted defenseless worshippers

“While I consider the cowardly attack on our defenseless countrymen to be against Islamic and humanitarian standards, I pray for the martyrs and wish rapid recovery for the wounded.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) also condemned the attack, calling for urgent protection measures for the country’s Shia communities.

UNAMA had reported  that at least seven people, including a child were killed in the attack.

Victims of of the deadly Imam Zaman Mosque attack in Herat were laid to rest.

The agency stressed the need for “investigations, accountability for perpetrators, and enhanced protection measures for Afghanistan’s Shia communities.”

Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan said that violence against Shia Hazara worshippers must be stopped.

All Afghans must be able to pray in peace

“I condemn the killing of Shia Hazara worshippers at a mosque in Guzara, Herat. All Afghans must be able to pray in peace. I urge prevention, protection and justice for Hazara/Shia who continue to be targeted, including in Herat. Condolences to the families and community,” he said.

Countries like Turkey, Iran, Japan, and other regional countries also condemned the attack and assured to stand beside the Afghans in their fight against any sort of terrorist groups.

Daesh, or the Islamic State (IS) is considered as one of the biggest rivals of the Taliban as they frequently target schools, mosques, shrines, hospitals, public places, religious gatherings and sacred sites of the Shiite Muslims and Shiite areas throughout the country.

Shiitte mosque attack in Herat is caused to create fear among Hazara people

A female Hazara in a video message to Haraci, said that the recent Daesh attack on the Shiite mosque in Herat has created fear and panic among Hazaras and Shiites. She added that instead of condemning, the international community should act to prevent such attacks in the future.

Daesh has intensified deadly attacks against innocent Afghans since August 2021 when the Taliban seized power following the chaotic departure of the foreign troops from Afghanistan after 20 years.

Despite the Taliban claiming that they have maintained security, Daesh was able to carry several deadly attacks, even targeting high-ranking Taliban officials inside their offices.

Daesh killed Balkh governor inside his office, while three other Daesh bombers exploded their suicide vest among a gathering of people during funeral ceremony. Daesh had also shown capability to attack foreign missions in Kabul. Daesh claimed responsibility for the attack on Pakistan and Russian embassies in Kabul. Daesh also attacked a Kabul hotel famous for Chinese guests.

The Taliban has pledged to protect religious and ethnic minorities, but rights monitors say the Taliban are doing little to make good on those promises.