Gunmen kill Afghan citizen and three foreign tourists in deadly attack in Bamyan

Gunmen in central Afghanistan’s Bamyan province targeted and killed an Afghan citizen and three foreign tourists in a deadly attack on Friday. The Ministry of Interior Affairs confirmed that four foreign nationals and three Afghans were also injured in the incident.

Authorities have arrested four individuals in connection with the attack, but no group has claimed responsibility as of yet. The Taliban government has denounced the violence and vowed to apprehend and punish the perpetrators.

Among the victims were Spanish citizens, as confirmed by Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed shock and offered condolences to the families and friends of the victims. He also pledged consular support for those affected by the tragedy.

Bamyan, known for its UNESCO World Heritage Site and historic Buddha statues, is a popular tourist destination in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban regained control of the country in 2021, they have promised to enhance security and foster tourism. However, this recent attack marks the deadliest incident since the group took power.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, ISIL (ISIS) previously claimed an attack on Chinese citizens in Kabul in 2022. The European Union has condemned the violence in Bamyan, expressing solidarity with the victims and their loved ones.

As authorities continue to investigate the incident, the international community remains vigilant in monitoring the situation in Afghanistan and ensuring the safety of travelers and residents alike.