A gunman attacked a mosque in western Afghanistan’s Herat province, killing six civilians and injuring one. The mosque, reportedly belonging to the Shiite minority community, was targeted, although no group has claimed responsibility yet. While the Taliban government has vowed to protect minorities, concerns persist over their ability to do so effectively. The Islamic State (IS) remains a significant security threat in Afghanistan, with recent attacks indicating its continued presence and ability to launch assaults. Despite Taliban efforts, IS recruitment and threats persist, posing regional and global security concerns.