Residents protest over Herat killings, Afghanistan

Residents in Herat Province staged protests on Tuesday during the funeral of victims killed in a recent shooting in a nearby village, reflecting growing public anger over security conditions.

Local sources said shopkeepers closed their businesses and joined demonstrators, while large crowds gathered to attend the funeral procession of those killed in the attack.

According to witnesses, authorities from the Taliban attempted to restrict public protests and limit participation in both the protests and funeral ceremonies.

The funeral drew a broad participants from both Sunni and Shia communities, highlighting rare unity amid rising sectarian concerns following the attack.

Gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on civilians, particularly targeting Shia residents, in the village of Deh Miri in Injil District on Friday, killing at least 11 people, according to local reports.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, and officials have not issued a detailed public response, fueling frustration and suspicion among residents.

The incident comes amid a broader pattern of violence targeting civilians in Afghanistan, where concerns over security and protection of minority communities have been increasing in recent months.

In a separate incident, at least four people were killed when gunfire erupted at a mosque in Baghlan Province, underscoring the growing frequency of attacks on places of worship and civilians.

The protests in Herat reflect deepening public anger and distrust, as communities demand accountability and stronger protection measures from authorities.

Analysts warn that continued violence and restrictions on public expression could further destabilise the situation, increasing the risk of wider unrest across the country.

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