Terrorists barge into gurudwara in Kabul, kill at least 11
What's the story
In a despicable incident, terrorists, armed with guns, barged inside a gurudwara in Afghanistan's capital Kabul and rained bullets, killing at least 11 on Wednesday, several reports said.
The gunmen entered the place of worship at Shor Bazar at 7:45 am (local time). A gun battle between Afghanistan's armed forces and the terrorists is underway.
India condemned the attack in strong words.
Details
Some Sikh families lived inside the premises too
About the incident, Interior Ministry spokesman, Tariq Aryan, said the gurudwara, situated on a busy road of a densely populated city, has been cordoned off. Some Sikh families also resided inside the complex.
Reportedly, this is the first time a worshipping center of Sikhs, who form a minority in the country, has been attacked. The incident happened during a morning ritual ceremony.
What happened
At least four assailants were involved
Onlookers heard a blast suggesting that suicide bombers could be present in the area.
Anarkali Honaryar, a senator for the Sikhs, believed at least 150 believers were trapped inside. "We believe four assailants are involved," she said.
Those killed include a child, who was brought to the local hospital. At least seven people were brought to the facility with serious injuries.
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ISIL claimed responsibility for the attack
Soon after the attack, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahed tweeted the group wasn't involved. But the SITE Intelligence Group, responsible for tracking activities of terrorist groups, said ISIL (ISIS) has claimed responsibility. The group informed the same on its media arm, Aamaq.
Reaction
India condemned the attack, wished for speedy recovery of injured
One of the first countries to condemn the attack was India, that has recently introduced the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), meant to help persecuted minorities of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, get Indian citizenship.
The Ministry of External Affairs said, "We convey our sincerest condolences to the immediate family members of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to the injured."
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India noted world is already fighting COVID-19 pandemic
"Such cowardly attacks on the places of religious worship of the minority community, especially at this time of COVID-19 pandemic, is reflective of the diabolical mindset of the perpetrators and their backers," the statement added.
Twitter Post
Hunt perpetrators, look after our people: Punjab CM
Horrific news coming from Kabul where a barbaric terror attack happened in the Gurudwara Guru Har Rai. It's extremely tragic and unfortunate. Request President @AshrafGhani Ji to find out the perpetrators and look after our people.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) March 25, 2020