More than a dozen civilians were killed in a deadly attack carried out by ISIS militants in Afghanistan as they gathered to welcome pilgrims returning from the holy city of Karbala. The attack took place in the Karyudal area, located on the border between Daykundi and Ghor provinces. According to reports from Afghan media, the victims were Shia Muslims, mostly from the Hazara community, who had traveled to greet relatives coming back from the pilgrimage.

The attackers reportedly stopped a bus carrying these civilians, pretending to take photographs, before opening fire on them. A local source from Daykundi province told AFP that at least 14 people were killed, with four others injured. Daesh Khorasan, also known as ISIS-K – the regional affiliate of the terrorist group – later claimed responsibility for the attack in a statement.

The incident highlights the continued targeting of Afghanistan’s Shia minority, particularly the Hazara community, which has long been marginalized and subjected to violence. The Hazaras, who make up around 22% of Afghanistan’s population, have been victims of several mass killings, kidnappings, and attacks in recent years, often claimed by Daesh.

Daesh continues to maintain a presence in eastern and northern Afghanistan, particularly in Nangarhar, which serves as the group’s base of operations in the country. The group has been responsible for numerous attacks across Afghanistan, targeting civilians, especially religious minorities. 

The U.N. mission in Afghanistan expressed its “condolences to the families of those killed” in a post on the social media platform X and called for an “investigation to hold those responsible to account.”

Taliban chief spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the attack, describing it as a “barbaric action,” adding, “We are also making serious efforts to search for the perpetrators and bring them to justice.”

Iran strongly condemned the attack, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kan’ani expressing condolences to the families of the victims. He urged Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban government to take swift measures to punish those responsible and reiterated Iran’s support for anti-terrorist efforts in the country. 

Regional countries, including Iran, have blamed the rise of Daesh in Afghanistan on the destabilizing influence of Western powers, which they claim contributed to the group’s growth following the withdrawal of U.S. troops.

This tragic attack underscores the ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan and the persistent threat posed by Daesh, especially to vulnerable communities like the Hazara. Despite efforts by the Taliban government to curb such violence, the growing influence of terrorist groups remains a significant concern for both Afghanistan and the region.