Afghanistan Peace CampaignHamid Karzai condemned the attack as a terrorist and inhumane act, expressing condolences to the families of the victims.
The shooting of worshippers in Nahrin District of Baghlan Province has elicited both domestic and international reactions.
Former President Hamid Karzai condemned the attack as a terrorist and inhumane act, expressing condolences to the families of the victims.
A statement from Karzai’s office read: “Former President Hamid Karzai considers the attack on a group of worshippers in Nahrin District of Baghlan Province a terrorist act and a crime against humanity and strongly condemns it. The former president, while extending his condolences and sympathies to the grieving families, prays for paradise for the martyrs and a swift recovery for the injured.”
Samim Shamsi, a political affairs analyst, commented on the targeting of civilians, stating: “Any attack on civilians, especially in sacred places like mosques, is against Islamic and human principles. All such attacks must be prevented.”
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights have also condemned the attack and called for a thorough investigation.
UNAMA stated on X: “UNAMA condemns Thursday’s armed attack against a Sufi place of worship in Baghlan province, northern Afghanistan in which at least 10 people were killed. UNAMA urges de facto authorities fully investigate the incident, prevent future attacks & ensure communities are protected.”
Richard Bennett, the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Afghanistan, said: “Religious minorities remain under grave threat. All Afghans have the right to worship in peace. More prevention, protection & justice needed.”
Hamdullah Fitrat, Deputy Spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, stated after the attack: “Investigations are ongoing to identify and punish those responsible. The Islamic Emirate condemns this incident and considers it an unforgivable act. This was the work of extremist groups for whom the spilling of a Muslim’s blood is commonplace.”
In the attack by unidentified assailants on worshippers in Nahrin District of Baghlan Province, ten people were killed. The Islamic Emirate also announced that several individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident.
No individual or group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.