Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – A horrifying attack shook the peace of a Shiite mosque in western Afghanistan as a lone gunman unleashed terror, killing six innocent worshippers on Monday night. The assailant, armed and ruthless, stormed into the Imam Zaman Mosque in the Guzara district of Herat province, targeting those in prayer.
Eyewitnesses recounted the incident as bullets tore through the congregation, claiming several lives. Among the victims was the mosque’s revered imam, adding a poignant layer of tragedy to the assault.
Initial investigations by Afghan authorities, as reported by Abdul Mateen Qani, a spokesman for the Taliban Interior Ministry, suggest that the attack was a deliberate act of terror aimed at the Shiite Muslim community. The absence of immediate claims of responsibility casts a shadow of uncertainty over the assailant’s motives, yet suspicions point to the shadowy presence of the Islamic State group’s affiliate in Afghanistan, known for its brazen assaults on Shiite targets.
Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai was quick to condemn the massacre, denouncing it as a violation of all religious and humanitarian principles. His sentiments echoed across diplomatic corridors, with the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) issuing a fervent call for justice and protection for vulnerable Shiite communities.
As the echoes of gunfire fade, the tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing Afghanistan. Despite the Taliban’s ascent to power in 2021 and their promises of moderation, the specter of extremism continues to haunt the nation. The international community, including neighboring Iran, stands in solidarity against the scourge of terrorism, vowing to bolster cooperation in combating this common threat.
