The European Union has strongly condemned the attack on a Sufi shrine in Afghanistan’s Baghlan Province, calling for greater protection for vulnerable communities.
The assault, which took place Thursday night, Nov. 21, left 10 people dead.
In a statement posted on X, the EU delegation in Kabul said: “We condemn the attack on civilians during worship in Baghlan Province. Our heartfelt condolences go to the victims and their families. All communities must be safe and secure from violence.”
Attack on worshipers
The attack targeted the Sayed Padshah shrine in the Nahrin district of the northern province of Baghlan. The Taliban described the incident as “mysterious” and said it occurred in the khanqah, or Sufi lodge, within the shrine.
Local sources reported that the victims were members of the Sufi order engaged in zikr, a devotional prayer ceremony, when gunmen opened fire.
No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, which comes amid a broader trend of violence targeting religious sites in Afghanistan.
A report by the United Nations noted that since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, at least five attacks have targeted religious sites and shrines across the country, raising alarm about the safety of worshipers and minority communities.
International outcry
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has called on the Taliban to conduct a “comprehensive investigation” into the Baghlan attack and to implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Richard Bennett, the UN’s Special Rapporteur on human rights in Afghanistan, described the attack as “deplorable” and emphasized the ongoing threats faced by religious minorities.
“Religious minorities remain under grave threat,” Mr. Bennett said, reiterating that all Afghans have the right to worship in peace.
International human rights organizations have expressed growing concern about the Taliban’s ability—or willingness—to protect vulnerable groups.
