Taliban claims responsibility for shooting at Shiite mosque in Afghanistan, killing 6 worshippers

A horrific attack unfolded in a mosque in western Afghanistan as a gunman stormed in and opened fire, killing six worshippers as they prayed. The Taliban official confirmed the tragic incident, stating that the mosque was targeted because it was a place of worship for Shiite Muslims, a minority group in the country.

The attack took place on Monday night in the district of Guzara in Herat province, according to Abdul Mateen Qani, a spokesman for the Taliban Interior Ministry. The assailant managed to flee the scene after the shooting, leaving one worshipper injured. Reports indicated that the mosque’s imam was among those who lost their lives in the senseless act of violence.

Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai condemned the attack, calling it a terrorist act that goes against all religious and human standards. The Islamic State group’s affiliate in Afghanistan, a rival of the Taliban, has been known to target schools, hospitals, mosques, and Shiite areas across the country.

The Taliban, who seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021, have faced criticism for gradually imposing a harsh interpretation of Islamic law, reminiscent of their previous rule from 1996 to 2001. Despite initial promises of moderation, the reality on the ground tells a different story of escalating violence and insecurity.

As investigations into the mosque attack continue, the Afghan people mourn the loss of innocent lives and grapple with the ongoing threat of extremist violence in their war-torn nation.