KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Amnesty International has strongly condemned the killing of Hazara civilians in central Afghanistan, urging accountability and immediate measures to protect the Hazara community from further attacks.
The massacre took place on September 12 in Pahlosang village, located between the provinces of Ghor and Daikundi. Armed assailants ambushed a group of Hazara travelers, leaving at least 14 dead and six others injured.
All of the victims were men, primarily residents of Daikundi’s Sangi Takht district, traveling to greet pilgrims returning from Karbala, Iraq.
The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), which regards Shia Hazaras as “heretics,” claimed responsibility for the attack through its media outlet, stating it had deliberately targeted the group.
Amnesty International expressed its deep condolences to the victims’ families and described the incident as a “cold-blooded murder.” The organization highlighted that this latest atrocity is part of a broader, long-standing pattern of violence against the Hazara community who have been systematically targeted in schools, hospitals, places of worship, and public spaces across Afghanistan.
“The perpetrators of this heinous act must be brought to justice immediately,” Amnesty stated. It also called for urgent measures to safeguard the Hazara community from further harm.
The human rights group urged the international community to establish an independent accountability mechanism to address ongoing human rights abuses in Afghanistan.
The attack has drawn widespread condemnation, including from the UN Special Rapporteur, politicians, activists, and opposition groups, all demanding justice and accountability for the victims.
The Thursday massacre underscores the escalating violence against Hazaras under Taliban rule and the growing threat posed by extremist groups like ISKP.
