At Least 7 Killed in Gun Attack on Civilians in Western Afghanistan

At least seven civilians were killed and 13 others wounded in a gun attack in western Afghanistan, the Taliban-led Interior Ministry said on Friday. The attack took place in a village in Injil district of Herat province, where unidentified gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on a group of residents near a recreational site, ministry spokesperson Abdul Mateen Qani said. He added that several of the wounded are in critical condition, raising concerns that the death toll could increase. Authorities have not yet identified the attackers or determined a motive. Local and hospital sources, however, reported higher casualty figures. Staff at Herat’s provincial hospital said at least 10 bodies had been received, and the number of injured exceeded official figures. Residents said the attack occurred in a predominantly Shiite area, where people had gathered near a shrine. Some unconfirmed reports suggest the total number of casualties could surpass 30. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.