The casualty count from a targeted shooting in western Afghanistan climbed to 11 on Saturday, according to provincial authorities, following an assault on civilians at a recreation site in Herat. The attack southwest of Herat city was carried out by "unidentified armed men riding motorcycles", ministry spokesman Abdul Mateen Qani said. The site is a popular destination where residents from across Herat traditionally congregate near the shrine to picnic beneath the trees. This breakthrough followed seven days of mediated peace talks held in the western Chinese city of Urumqi. Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, said on Wednesday that the delegations have concluded their meetings in Urumqi.

Source: Mint April 11, 2026 14:52 UTC