United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has condemned the recent attack on Afghanistan’s Hazara community in Daikundi province, calling it a “heinous” act.
The attack, which occurred on Thursday, left 14 people dead and four others wounded, drawing strong condemnation both within Afghanistan and internationally.
“The Secretary General condemns yesterday’s heinous attack on members of the Shia Hazara community in the central region of Afghanistan,” said Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres’ spokesperson, during a press conference. Guterres reiterated his call for the protection of civilians, emphasizing that all vulnerable groups must be safeguarded.
The attack was claimed by Daesh, a group that has continued to target Hazaras despite Taliban claims that it has suppressed the organization in Afghanistan. According to Human Rights Watch, at least 17 Daesh attacks have killed or wounded over 700 members of the Hazara and Shia communities since the Taliban took power.
The incident has renewed criticism of the Taliban’s ability to provide adequate security for Afghanistan’s minority populations, particularly the Hazara, who have long been subjected to violence.
