Among the victims of Friday’s armed attack near a Shiite shrine in the western province of Herat were two women, several men and an 18-year-old student, according to information provided by local sources and residents.
At least 13 people were killed and nine others wounded in the shooting, local sources said, while the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan reported 11 dead and 11 injured.
The attack took place on Friday afternoon, April 10, in the village of Deh Miri, near a shrine frequented by members of Afghanistan’s Shiite community.
According to available information, three members of one family — a father and his two sons — were killed. They were identified as Sultan Ahmad Akbari, 63, and his sons, Ali Akbar and Reza Akbari. Relatives said Reza Akbari was 38 years old, and Sultan Ahmad was considered a respected elder in the local community.
Another family also suffered multiple losses. Amir Ali Rasooli, an 18-year-old student, was killed along with his mother, Masouma Rasooli, and his sister, Homa Rasooli. Mohammad Reza Rasooli, Amir Ali’s uncle, was also among those killed in the attack.
Other victims included Abdul Qadir, 35, a former employee of the TAPI gas pipeline project; Ali Akbar Mohammadi, who worked in private business; and Abdul Qadir Delawari, 44.
Local sources said all of the victims were Shiite civilians who had gathered in the area for a recreational and religious visit.
Two days after the attack, no group has claimed responsibility. Taliban have said one person has been arrested in connection with the shooting but have not released further details.
Residents said funeral ceremonies for the victims are expected to take place on Tuesday.
The attack has drawn concern from human rights advocates, who have called for a thorough investigation into what appears to be a targeted assault on civilians.
