Afghanistan: At least 11 people have been killed after gunmen opened fire on civilians at a popular picnic location in western Afghanistan, according to local officials.
The attack took place in the Enjil district of Herat province, where families had gathered near the village of Deh Mehri for recreation. Authorities initially reported four deaths, but later confirmed that seven more critically injured victims had succumbed to their wounds.
No group has claimed responsibility for the assault so far. An interior ministry spokesperson said unidentified armed men riding motorcycles opened fire on the crowd in an area that is typically busy on Fridays. Witnesses and medical officials said the victims were Shia Muslims who had visited a local shrine for a picnic.
A doctor in Herat said that the victims had been spending time at the shrine, a site frequently visited by locals for prayer and leisure. Shia Muslims, a minority in Afghanistan, have been repeatedly targeted in past attacks.
Ahmadullah Muttaqi, head of information and culture for the Taliban administration in Herat, said the incident occurred around 15:00 local time. Muttaqi described the shooting as a terrorist incident targeting civilians gathered for recreation.
According to officials, four bodies along with 15 injured individuals, including two women were transported to a regional hospital in Herat following the attack.
Security forces have arrested one suspect in connection with the shooting, authorities confirmed. The village of Deh Mehri is predominantly Shia and home to a shrine that attracts daily visitors for prayer and gatherings.
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