Gunmen Kill at Least Four in Afghanistan Picnic Attack

At least four people have been killed in a targeted attack by gunmen on a picnic area in the Enjil district of Herat province, western Afghanistan. The incident, which occurred on Friday, saw "unidentified armed men" on motorcycles open fire near the village of Deh Mehri, a location popular for recreational outings.

Victims Identified as Hazara Shia Muslims

A doctor from a Herat provincial hospital confirmed that the victims were Hazara Shia Muslims, who had been visiting a local shrine. While official figures from the Taliban interior ministry reported seven fatalities, and a provincial official cited four, the hospital doctor indicated a higher toll of 12 dead and 12 injured. The Hazara ethnic group, a Shia Muslim minority in Afghanistan, has historically faced persecution and targeted violence.

Ahmadullah Muttaqi, the provincial head of information and culture for the Taliban government in Herat, stated the attack took place around 15:00 local time. He confirmed that four bodies and 15 wounded individuals, including two women, had been transferred to Herat regional hospital. Security forces have reportedly apprehended one suspect in connection with the incident. Interior ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani later posted on X that preliminary information suggested seven fatalities and 13 wounded, with some in critical condition.

The village of Deh Mehri is predominantly Shiite and is home to a significant Shia Muslim shrine, attracting numerous daily visitors for prayer and recreation.