Six days after at least 13 civilians were killed in an armed attack in western Afghanistan, a witness has provided a detailed account of the events, offering new insight into an attack that remains unexplained.
The shooting took place in the village of Deh Miri, about 13 kilometers west of Herat city, in an area known for its green landscape and popularity as a recreational spot, particularly among families from the predominantly Shiite community.
At the center of the gathering site is a shrine known locally as Sayyed Mohammad Aqa, or “Sabzpush,” which residents say has long been a place for families to gather on Fridays and holidays.
Despite the passage of nearly a week, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and Taliban have released few details about the perpetrators or their motives.
A witness who spoke to Amu TV on condition of anonymity for safety reasons described how the attack unfolded on the afternoon of April 10.
He said he had arrived around noon and was heading to a nearby mosque for afternoon prayers at about 3 p.m. when four armed men on motorcycles entered the area.
According to the witness, the attackers warned those present that they had previously been told not to come to the site for leisure. The gunmen then separated men from women, moved the women a short distance away, and collected mobile phones from those present.
One of the attackers asked for the village elder, or arbab. The elder’s son, who was present with guests, identified himself and was told to summon his father. When the elder arrived, the witness said, one of the gunmen shot him, after which the attackers began firing indiscriminately at others.
“In a moment, everything fell apart,” the witness said, adding that he took cover in a nearby irrigation ditch to save his life.
He said the gunmen then fired toward other families who were sitting in tents nearby. A local farmer working close to the scene was also wounded, he said.
After the shooting, the attackers left the area “calmly,” according to the witness.
The account also raises questions about security in the area. The witness said that Taliban forces had previously visited the site on motorcycles to issue warnings about religious conduct. On the day of the attack, however, a Taliban checkpoint that is usually stationed near the road was not present.
He said it was unclear whether the attackers were affiliated with the Taliban, but noted that they acted “in the same manner” as Taliban forces who had previously patrolled the area.
Taliban officials in Herat have said that one suspect has been detained in connection with the attack, but have not provided further information about the individual’s identity or affiliation.
In the days following the attack, Shiite community leaders met with Taliban governor in Herat and sought permission to hold a public demonstration. According to local sources, the governor declined the request, citing an inability to guarantee security.
Funerals for several victims were held on Tuesday, April 14, with bodies carried from a mosque in Herat city to a nearby shrine for burial, drawing large crowds of mourners.
The attack has heightened fears among residents, particularly in Shiite communities, where many see the lack of clarity about the perpetrators as a source of growing concern.
With few official answers, the witness’s account provides one of the most detailed descriptions to date of an attack that has left families grieving and a community searching for explanations.
More photos from the recreiational spot where the attack happened:
