RASC News Agency: Tom West, the Special Representative of the United States in Afghanistan, has responded to the recent attack on Shia worshippers in the province of Baghlan, acknowledging the significant suffering endured by Shia Muslims in Afghanistan due to violent extremism. In the wake of this tragic incident on Monday, October 16, West extended his condolences and expressed his sympathy to the families of the victims through a message on social media.
In his heartfelt message, Mr. West stated, “The terrorist attack that took place last Friday in Pul-e Khumri has deeply saddened me. It resulted in the loss of innocent lives and caused injuries to numerous Shia worshippers. The Shia community in Afghanistan has been subjected to great suffering as a consequence of violent extremism.”
Reports indicate that the explosion in a Shia mosque in Baghlan province on Friday led to the death and injury of approximately one hundred worshippers, with responsibility for the attack claimed by the ISIS Khorasan branch.
It is vital to highlight that ISIS has previously claimed responsibility for attacks specifically targeting Hazaras and Shias in different locations, such as mosques, hospitals, and educational centers.
Last year, a suicide attack at a school in western Kabul claimed the lives of predominantly Hazara students and left several others injured. This appalling incident triggered numerous national and international reactions and sparked widespread protests. Notably, the protesters referred to these attacks against Hazaras in Afghanistan as acts of ethnic cleansing, demanding official recognition of these heinous crimes.
