UNAMA Reports 11 Dead in Armed Attack on Hazaras in Herat

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has reported that at least 11 people were killed and 11 others wounded in an armed attack on a gathering of Shia Muslims in Herat province. According to the agency, women and children are among the victims of the incident.

According to a UNAMA statement released on Sunday, April 12, the attack occurred on Friday when a group of local residents were gathered near a Shia shrine in the Demiri area, located between the districts of Injil and Zenda Jan in Herat. Unknown armed individuals opened fire on the gathering.

Georgette Gagnon, head of UNAMA, expressed condolences to the families of the victims and described the incident as a “horrific crime,” stating that those responsible must be held accountable. She emphasized that the Taliban administration is obligated to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that all Afghan citizens are protected from armed violence.

In recent years, targeted attacks on religious minorities, especially Shia Muslims, have raised widespread concerns. The Tolerance Organization previously stated that the shootings of civilians in Herat were “targeted and organized,” adding that concealment and the prevention of accurate victim data collection by the Taliban administration have made transparent information access challenging.

Despite the Taliban administration’s repeated commitments to providing security, the recurrence of such incidents raises serious questions about the administration’s capacity and willingness to protect religious minorities and ensure nationwide security.