Rahmatullah Nabil, former head of Afghanistan`s National Directorate of Security, and Rangin Dadfar Spanta, former foreign minister, have described the incident as a targeted Kild based on Religious differences, calling it a clear example of a "crime agai

Injured people in Herat incident.

Rangin Dadfar Spanta, Afghanistan`s former foreign minister, stated that the attack on civilians in Herat province was a deliberate massacre rooted in sectarian Disagreement. Meanwhile, the Taliban have announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with the incident.

According to AnsarPress, Spanta wrote on Sunday, April 12, on X (formerly Twitter) that 21 people-including women, children, and men-were shot dead in Herat solely for "having a different religion." He described the act as a reflection of a "historical barbaric mindset" prevailing in the country.

Rangin Dadfar Spanta, Afghanistan`s former foreign minister.

Local sources report that armed assailants on motorcycles attacked the village of Deh-Miri in Injil district of Herat on Friday, opening fire on civilians who had gone there for leisure. Many of the victims are reported to be Shia Muslim.

Rahmatullah Nabil also condemned the incident, stating: "When differences are deliberately turned into a crime by those in power in Afghanistan, humanity is undoubtedly trampled upon." Referring to initial casualty figures of around 21 victims, he added: "The killing of innocent people due to Religious or ethnic differences is a crime against humanity, and our survival depends on mutual acceptance and peaceful coexistence."

Rangin Dadfar Spanta, Afghanistan`s former foreign minister.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has confirmed that in the attack on Shia civilians in Injil district, Herat province in western Afghanistan, 11 people were killed and another 11 were injured.

In a statement released today, UNAMA said the attack took place "at a recreational gathering area near a shrine belonging to the Shia community" in the Deh-Miri area of Injil district, with women and children among the victims.

Georgette Gagnon, acting head of UNAMA, said: "We extend our condolences to the victims and families affected by this horrific crime and wish a speedy recovery to the injured."

She added: "We urge the de facto authorities to conduct a full investigation into this incident to ensure the protection of local populations from armed violence across Afghanistan."

The Taliban have also reported 11 fatalities and several injured, claiming that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the attack. However, no group has yet claimed responsibility. Critics of the Taliban argue that the attack was carried out in coordination with the group and within the framework of policies promoting sectarian hatred.

The transformation of Religious differences into a pretext for organized violence represents a serious warning for Afghanistan`s national cohesion and long-term security. In particular, the lack of transparent accountability by the Taliban has intensified distrust between minorities and the current authorities. The Continuity of such incidents without decisive judicial and political accountability could pave the way for cycles of sectarian retaliation and broader regional instability.