ISLAMABAD (AP) — A gunman stormed a mosque in western Afghanistan, opening fire and killing six people as they were praying, a Taliban official said Tuesday.
Local media reports and a former president of Afghanistan said the mosque was targeted because it was a place of worship for the country’s Shiite Muslim minority.
The attack happened on Monday night in the district of Guzara in Herat province, said Abdul Mateen Qani, a spokesman for the Taliban Interior Ministry. He said in a post on the social media platform X that an investigation was underway.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, which also wounded another worshipper while the attacker fled. Local media reported that the mosque’s imam was among those killed.
“I strongly condemn the attack on the Imam Zaman Mosque,” former Afghan President Hamid Karzai said on X. “I consider this terrorist act against all religious and human standards.”
Xi Says China Views Relations with Philippines from Strategic Height
Full Text of Xi's Written Speech at APEC CEO Summit
Profile: Jiang Zemin's Great, Glorious Life
Six killed in a 'foiled coup' in Congo, the army says
China Ready to Join Chile for Stronger Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, Says Xi
Xi Attends Welcoming Ceremony Held by Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince
China Ready to Coordinate with New Zealand for Peace, Stability in Pacific Islands Region, Says Xi
Russian theater director and playwright go on trial over a play authorities say justifies terrorism
Full Text of Xi's Written Speech at APEC CEO Summit
What's next for Iran after death of its president in crash?
China rolls out tasks to foster improved online environment