JALALABAD – Eight members of the same family were gunned down in an attack on a mosque in eastern Afghanistan, said officials today.
The shooting happened here last night, and is believed to be over a land dispute, said Nangarhar province governor Zaiulhaq Amarkhil.
Five brothers and three of their male cousins were killed.
“The incident is under investigation, but initial information shows a land dispute has caused the incident,” said Amarkhil.
Fareed Khan, a Nangarhar police spokesman, confirmed the attack.
Afghanistan, like the rest of the Muslim world, is observing the holy month of Ramadan, when followers of Islam gather each night to offer special prayers after fasting for the day.
Revenge killings are common in the country, where families seek justice by carrying out violent acts of vengeance based on an ancient code of honour.
So-called blood feuds can last for decades, passing down through generations in a cycle of violence. – AFP, April 18, 2021
