Three Spaniards among the six fatalities in Afghanistan shooting | Global News

In a tragic incident in central Afghanistan, three Spanish citizens and three Afghans were killed when gunmen opened fire, as confirmed by Taliban and Spanish officials on Saturday.

Initially, officials reported four casualties, but the death toll was later confirmed to be six. The attack took place on Friday evening, and no group has claimed responsibility for the heinous act yet.

Seven suspects were apprehended at the scene in Bamiyan province, a popular tourist destination, and an investigation is currently underway. Abdul Mateen Qani, a spokesperson for the interior minister, stated that seven others were injured in the attack.

While the nationality of the foreign victims was not initially disclosed, the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs later confirmed that three Spaniards lost their lives, with one more sustaining injuries. A Taliban official in Bamiyan mentioned that the wounded foreigners included individuals from Spain, Norway, Australia, and Latvia.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez expressed his shock and grief over the incident on social media. The wounded individuals have been transferred to Kabul for medical treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.

The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan condemned the attack on civilians and extended their condolences to the victims. The Islamic State group’s affiliate in Afghanistan is suspected to be behind the assault, given their history of targeting schools, hospitals, and minority Shiite areas across the country.

The Taliban, who took control of Afghanistan in August 2021, have been working to promote tourism in the region. Bamiyan, known for its ancient Buddha statues destroyed by the Taliban in 2001, has seen a rise in tourist numbers in recent years.