Faiz: Herat Shooting Highlights Afghanistan’s Lack of Security

Following the shooting of several civilians in the Injil district of Herat province, Nasir Ahmad Faiz, acting permanent representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations, stated that this incident once again demonstrates that Afghanistan does not enjoy comprehensive security. According to him, the continuation of such attacks indicates the free operation of extremist groups in the country.

Faiz condemned the attack on Saturday, April 11, on his X (formerly Twitter) page, writing that innocent civilians, including women and children, particularly Shia citizens, were targeted in the incident. He emphasized that carrying out deliberate and organized attacks without fear of accountability reveals a serious weakness in providing security.

Meanwhile, the Taliban administration announced that unidentified gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on civilians in a recreational area in the Injil district, resulting in seven deaths and 13 injuries. However, sources told 8am newspaper that the actual number of casualties is higher than reported by the Taliban administration.

More than four years since the Taliban’s return to power, violent incidents against civilians continue, raising concerns about the Taliban’s inability to control extremist groups. The lack of transparency in providing accurate casualty figures has also added to the ambiguity.

Several political figures in the country, including former President Hamid Karzai and Abdullah Abdullah, former head of the High Council for National Reconciliation, have also condemned the attack and called for ensuring citizens’ security.