Dozens of Shi'ite Muslims abducted in Afghanistan
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 24 February 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Dozens of Shi'ite Muslims abducted in Afghanistan, 24 February 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5509410c13.html [accessed 28 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
February 24, 2015
Afghan officials say unidentified gunmen have abducted 30 Shi'ite Muslims who were travelling by bus in Zabul province.
The men, members of the minority Hazara ethnic group, were abducted on February 23 on the road between the southern city of Kandahar and the capital, Kabul.
Nasir Ahmad, an official with the Ghazni Paima bus company, told AFP news agency that the bus driver "saw a group of masked men in Afghan army uniform signalling him and he thought they were soldiers so he stopped."
Interior ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said the police were "doing everything" to ensure the group's safe release.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for the abduction.
Members of the Shi'ite Hazara community are often the target of sectarian violence by Sunni Muslim extremists in Afghanistan.
Kidnappings for ransom are also common in the country.
Based on reporting AFP and Khaama Press
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
