Pakistan Strongly Condemns Deadly Mosque Attack in Herat

Pakistan on Wednesday strongly condemned yesterday’s heinous terrorist attack on a mosque in Herat, Afghanistan, resulting in loss of lives and injuries.

On May 1, 2024, a heinous terrorist attack on a Shia mosque in Herat, Afghanistan claimed the lives of at least six people, including the mosque's imam and a three-year-old child. The attack occurred during evening prayers at the Mohammadiya mosque in the Guzara district of Herat. Gunmen stormed the mosque, opening fire on worshippers with machine guns.

The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack, with one of its members targeting the "Shiite temple." The Taliban Interior Ministry has launched an investigation into the incident, while residents of Herat have demanded increased security for places of worship and the identification and conviction of those responsible following the attack.

This attack comes just five months after a similar incident in the Jabriyal neighborhood of Herat City, which killed six people, including two Shia clergy. The regional chapter of the Islamic State (Da'ish) is considered the largest security threat in Afghanistan and has frequently targeted Shia communities, particularly the Hazara ethnic minority.

Why this matters: The attack highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by Afghanistan's minority Shia community, who have been the victims of some of the most violent attacks against civilians in the country's history. It also underscores the need for the Taliban government to fulfill its pledge to protect religious and ethnic minorities.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) condemned the attack and called for urgent accountability and protection measures for the Shiite community. Pakistan also strongly condemned the "heinous terrorist attack" and reiterated its stance against terrorism in all forms. "Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including despicable attacks on places of worship," the Pakistani government stated, extending condolences to the victims and their families.

The attack has been widely condemned by the international community, with calls for investigations, accountability for the perpetrators, and protection measures for Afghanistan's Shia communities. Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai described the incident as a "terrorist act against all religious and human standards." The Taliban government has pledged to restore security since taking over in 2021, but attacks targeting mosques, religious seminaries, and government buildings have continued despite the end of the 20-year war.

Key Takeaways

• Deadly terrorist attack on Shia mosque in Herat, Afghanistan kills 6 people.
• Islamic State claims responsibility, targeting "Shiite temple" during evening prayers.
• Attack highlights ongoing security challenges for Afghanistan's Shia minority communities.
• Taliban government pledges to investigate and provide increased security for places of worship.
• International community condemns attack, calls for accountability and protection measures.