Two Christian aid workers shot dead in Afghanistan

Victims worked for International Assistance Mission in Herat.

Herat:  Two foreign female aid workers were shot dead by unknown gunmen while travelling in a taxi in the western Afghan city of Herat on Thursday, officials said.

"This morning at around 11:30am (0700 GMT) gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire at two foreigners riding in a taxi and killed them," Sayed Fazullah Wahidy, governor of Herat province told AFP.

Interior ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi confirmed the attack and said the perpetrators had escaped.

"One person was detained at the scene but the two gunmen escaped and the police are searching the area," he said.

Wahidy said the women were working as psychiatrists for International Assistance Mission (IAM), an international Christian charity providing eye care and medical help in Afghanistan.

The charity confirmed the victims were employees but did not disclose their nationalities.

"Their bodies are now in the Central hospital and the police have launched an investigation to find out who is behind this attack," he added.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but criminal gangs as well as Taliban are active in Herat.

Source: AFP