At least three children and two male worshippers were killed and at least 23 others were wounded when Taliban security forces opened fire on a mourning procession for Ashura in Ghazni province on Friday.
The procession was taking place in the city of Ghazni, the capital of the province when the Taliban forces opened fire. The victims were all members of the Hazara minority, who are frequent targets of violence in Afghanistan.
The Taliban has denied responsibility for the shootings, but witnesses say that the security forces were the ones who opened fire. The incident has sparked outrage in Afghanistan, with many people calling for the Taliban to be held accountable.
The Ashura holiday is a major religious observance for Shia Muslims, and it is often marked by processions and other public gatherings. In Afghanistan, the Ashura holiday has been a frequent target of violence by the Taliban and other extremist groups.
The latest shootings in Ghazni are a reminder of the ongoing violence and persecution that Hazaras face in Afghanistan. The Hazara are a Shiite minority group who make up about 10% of the country’s population. They have long been targeted by the Taliban and other extremist groups, and they have suffered disproportionately from the country’s ongoing conflict.
The shootings in Ghazni are a further blow to the already fragile security situation in Afghanistan. The Taliban has been making gains in recent months, and the country is facing a growing humanitarian crisis. The latest shootings are a reminder of the need for urgent action to bring peace to Afghanistan and to protect its most vulnerable citizens.
In addition to the heartbreaking loss of life, the shootings have also had a devastating impact on the community. Many people have been left traumatized by the violence, and there is a sense of fear and insecurity that has gripped the city.
