Afghanistan: Shooting attack at Khost mosque June 6

Event

Four civilians were killed and at least five others injured in a shooting attack carried out at the Kamal Khil Mosque, located in the Lalmayi area of Mandozayi district (Khost province), on the evening of Wednesday, June 6 (local time). According to reports, gunmen opened fire on people inside the mosque before fleeing the scene. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack as of early Thursday afternoon.

Context

Both the Taliban and the Islamic State-Khorasan Province (IS-KP) are present in Afghanistan and regularly carry out attacks.

On April 25, the Taliban issued a statement announcing the launch of their annual spring offensive, which coincides every year with the arrival of warmer weather that allows militants to move more easily over Afghanistan's mountainous terrain. The terrorist group has since launched multiple attacks in Kabul, Badghis, Farah, and Ghazni provinces, killing dozens of security forces and civilians.

Additionally, the IS-KP has carried out several attacks in the country in recent months, notably, IS a suicide bombing at a voter registration center in Kabul on April 22, killing at least 69 people and wounding around 120 others.

Advice

The security environment in Afghanistan remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.