In a tragic reminder of the power vacuum left by the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Taliban authorities confirmed that gunmen killed at least 14 Shiite Muslims and injured six others in a central province on Friday. The local affiliate of the Islamic State, known as IS-K (Islamic State Khorasan), claimed responsibility for the brutal attack.
The incident, which took place in Daykundi, targeted civilians returning from a pilgrimage to the Shiite holy site of Karbala. Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban government, condemned the attack as a “barbaric act” and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice.
While the Taliban have claimed significant success in combating IS-K since regaining control of the country three years ago, the resurgence of terrorism highlights the instability created after the U.S. withdrawal, which critics argue opened the door for extremist groups to regain influence.
IS-K’s ongoing attacks have drawn international concern, with United Nations officials like Richard Bennett, Special Rapporteur on Afghan human rights, condemning the recent violence. Bennett warned that such acts bear the “hallmarks of international crimes,” underscoring the need for stronger protection and accountability measures.
Despite Taliban claims of decimating IS-K, U.S. officials and recent U.N. reports continue to identify the group as a growing regional threat, further destabilizing Afghanistan and casting a shadow over hopes for peace in the war-torn country.
