In brief
In a violent incident at a recreational area in Herat province, gunmen opened fire on civilians, resulting in at least four to seven reported deaths. The victims, predominantly from the Hazara Shia Muslim community, were enjoying a day out at a shrine. The attack has raised concerns about targeted violence against this minority group.
Multiple people have been killed after gunmen targeted civilians at a picnic spot in western Afghanistan, officials and a local doctor have reported.
Different sources have cited varying death tolls from the attack in the Enjil district of Herat province, with a Taliban interior ministry spokesperson claiming seven lives were lost. However, a local official reported that four had died.
No group has taken responsibility for the attack as of yet. A local interior ministry spokesperson stated that unidentified armed men riding motorcycles opened fire near the village of Deh Mehri, an area usually bustling with visitors on Fridays.
A doctor from a hospital in Herat indicated that the victims were mostly Hazara Shia Muslims, a minority often targeted in the region. This doctor reported a higher casualty count, stating that 12 people had been killed and another 12 injured.
The victims had reportedly gone to a local shrine for a picnic when the shooting occurred. Ahmadullah Muttaqi, the provincial head of information and culture for the Taliban, confirmed that the incident took place around 15:00 local time (11:30 BST), describing it as a terrorist attack.
Muttaqi also indicated that four bodies along with 15 injured individuals, including two women, were taken to a regional hospital. A security suspect was taken into custody shortly after the incident.
Interior ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani confirmed via a post on social media that initial reports indicated seven fatalities and 13 injuries, with some of the wounded in critical condition.
The village where the attack happened is predominantly Shiite and is home to a shrine visited by many for prayer and reflection.
