learnedutodayIn Herat province, Afghanistan, a gunman targeted a mosque, killing six and injuring one, according to Interior ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani. Local residents claim the Shia community was the focus of the attack, contradicting official reports.
They describe a team of three gunmen staging the assault during prayers, resulting in casualties and chaos. While no group has claimed responsibility, the regional chapter of the Islamic State (IS) group is known for targeting Shia communities in Afghanistan. This incident raises concerns about minority safety despite Taliban assurances since their return to power in August 2021.
The Taliban, though promising to safeguard religious and ethnic minorities, faces criticism for failing to address security threats effectively. Notably, a significant attack attributed to IS occurred in 2022, claiming the lives of at least 53 individuals, predominantly young girls, in Kabul. The Taliban attributed this attack to IS but has struggled to eliminate the group entirely. While the Taliban claims to have expelled IS from Afghanistan, doubts persist regarding their control and the potential for IS resurgence.
The Taliban often downplays security threats to project stability, complicating accurate threat assessment. A recent UN report highlighted a reduction in IS attacks due to Taliban efforts but underscored ongoing recruitment and regional security challenges. Despite claims of diminished IS presence, Afghanistan remains vulnerable to extremist violence, posing a significant challenge to the Taliban’s efforts to establish stability and security.
Haseeb Abdullah
