Three Spanish tourists killed in central Afghanistan gun attack
The Spanish government has confirmed that three Spanish tourists were fatally shot by gunmen in Bamiyan, a city in central Afghanistan.
According to Afghan authorities, one Afghan citizen was also killed, with four foreigners and three Afghans sustaining injuries.
Although no group has claimed responsibility, Abdul Mateen Qani, a spokesperson for the Afghan Interior Ministry, reported that four individuals have been apprehended in connection with the incident.
Qani stated in a release that the Taliban-led government “vehemently condemns this act, extends its heartfelt condolences to the victims’ families, and pledges to locate and prosecute all perpetrators.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed shock at the news of the Spanish tourists’ deaths in Afghanistan via social media.
Offering condolences to the victim’s loved ones, he assured that he was closely monitoring the situation and committed to providing consular assistance.
Spain’s foreign ministry confirmed that at least one Spanish national was among those wounded.
Bamiyan, known for its mountainous terrain and UNESCO world heritage sites, including the remnants of two colossal Buddha statues destroyed by the Taliban in 2001, was the site of the attack.
Since retaking power in Afghanistan in 2021 the Taliban have vowed to restore security and encourage a small but growing number of tourists trickling into the country. The Taliban government sells tickets to access the site of the Buddha statues.
Though the country’s civil war ended with the Taliban takeover, the Islamic State group has carried out attacks on the Taliban and there is an anti-Taliban insurgency in some areas.
