Amnesty International has condemned the brutal killing of at least 14 Hazaras in central Afghanistan, saying the attack, which occurred in the Sangtakht-wa-Bandar district of Daikundi province, “highlights the ongoing vulnerability of the Hazara community, a historically persecuted minority.”
In a statement, Amnesty International expressed its “deepest condolences” to the families of the victims, calling the incident “a callous attack” that reflects a broader pattern of violence against Hazaras in Afghanistan. The militant group, known as the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP), has reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack, marking the latest in a series of targeted assaults on the Hazara community.
The organization said that the incident underscores the grim reality facing the Hazaras, who have faced violence in places of worship, schools, hospitals, and public spaces for nearly a decade. Amnesty International emphasized that the perpetrators must be brought to justice and called for urgent measures to protect the Hazara population from further harm.
Taliban confirmed that 14 Hazara civilians were killed in Thursday’s attack. However, ISIS-K, the local affiliate of the Islamic State, claimed responsibility for the attack and stated that 15 people had been killed, with six others injured.
Eyewitness accounts describe horrific scene
Eyewitnesses and relatives of the victims provided harrowing details of the attack. According to their accounts, two men on motorcycles, posing as Taliban members, intercepted the vehicle carrying Hazara families who were returning from an Arbaeen pilgrimage. The attackers asked the male passengers to step out under the pretense of taking photos, then opened fire on them. The assault took place in the village of Qariodal in Sangtakht district.
Eyewitnesses, some of whom were relatives of the victims, said that the attackers shot the men in front of the women and children, leaving 14 people dead and four others injured. All the victims were Hazaras and Shia Muslims, a minority group that has faced frequent persecution in Afghanistan.
Calls for Justice and Accountability
Amnesty International reiterated the need for justice, stressing that this attack is part of a larger pattern of impunity in Afghanistan. The organization called on the international community to establish a robust, independent accountability mechanism to address the widespread human rights violations and crimes under international law in the country.
This latest attack is yet another grim reminder of the high cost of impunity in Afghanistan, where ethnic and religious minorities continue to face targeted violence. The situation highlights the urgent need for protection and accountability to prevent further atrocities against the Hazara community.
