Iran Condemns Terrorist Attack on Shia Mosque in Herat, Afghanistan

A terrorist attack on a Shia mosque in Herat, Afghanistan killed at least six people, including a child and a woman. The attack occurred during evening prayers at the Imam Zaman Mosque in the town of Andisheh, Gozara district. The gunman opened fire on worshippers, killing the mosque's prayer leader and five other civilians.

The Iranian government strongly condemned the attack. Iran's embassy in Kabul said in a statement that it "aims to identify and punish those responsible for 'this crime' and is prepared to strengthen cooperation with the Taliban in counterterrorism efforts." Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai also denounced the assault as a "terrorist act against all religious and human standards."

While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, the regional chapter of the Islamic State (ISIS) poses the biggest security threat in Afghanistan and has frequently targeted Shia communities. The Shia Hazara minority, which accounts for about 22% of Afghanistan's population, has faced persecution and violence from extremist groups. In December 2023, a similar attack killed seven people, including two Shia clerics and four women, in Herat's provincial capital.

Why this matters: The attack highlights the ongoing security challenges and sectarian violence in Afghanistan, despite the Taliban's pledge to protect religious and ethnic minorities. It also underscores the threat posed by ISIS and other extremist groups in the region, even as the Taliban government seeks to establish its authority and legitimacy.

The Taliban, who seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021, have not yet commented on the incident. The Interior Ministry spokesman, Mufti Abdul Mateen Qani, confirmed the attack and the death toll, stating that an investigation is underway. Human rights observers have accused the Taliban of doing little to fulfill their promise of protecting minorities, with some suggesting that the authorities downplay security threats by providing lower casualty figures after such attacks.

Key Takeaways

• Terrorist attack on Shia mosque in Herat, Afghanistan kills 6 people.
• Iran condemns attack, calls for cooperation with Taliban to punish perpetrators.
• ISIS regional chapter poses biggest security threat, frequently targets Shia minority.
• Attack highlights ongoing security challenges and sectarian violence in Afghanistan.
• Taliban accused of downplaying security threats and failing to protect minorities.