Three Spaniards killed in Afghanistan

Three Spanish tourists were killed, and at least one Spaniard was injured in a gunman attack in Afghanistan’s central Bamyan province, Spain’s foreign ministry reported on Friday. The Taliban confirmed the deaths of three foreign tourists and one Afghan citizen, with four foreign nationals and three Afghans also injured in the assault. Four suspects have been apprehended.

Spain’s consular emergency unit has been fully mobilized to assist the victims and their families, while Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his shock at the incident on social media. The motive behind the attack remains unclear.

Bamyan, known for its UNESCO world heritage site and the remnants of two giant Buddha statues destroyed by the Taliban in 2001, has seen a cautious return of tourists since the Taliban regained control in 2021. The Taliban have pledged to enhance security and promote tourism, including selling tickets to the Buddha statues.

This attack marks one of the most significant targeting of foreign nationals since the Taliban’s return to power. It follows a 2022 incident in which the Islamic State injured Chinese citizens in a Kabul hotel frequented by Chinese businessmen.