Afghan protesters condemn Daesh brutalities against Shias

People in western Afghanistan have staged a massive protest against growing sectarian attacks on Shia Muslims by the Takfiri Daesh terrorists.

According to Press TV, about 2,000 demonstrators, holding pictures of Shia Muslims martyred in recent terrorist attacks, marched on the governor's office in the city of Herat on Tuesday.

The protesters chanted slogans such as "Death to the enemies of Afghanistan!" and "Death to Daesh!"

Herat recently witnessed a surge in attacks on mosques belonging to Shia Muslims. A prayer leader was martyred and five others wounded in one such attack on Sunday.

Qurban Ali, a 40-year-old demonstrator, said Daesh terrorists were desperately attempting to fuel sectarian strife by mounting attacks on Shia religious sites.

"Daesh attacks on our mosques are increasing every day. They want to create a rift between Shias and Sunnis," Ali said, adding, "This is a dangerous trend and we want the government to protect us."

Jawad, another protester who was identified by one name, said, "We will not allow Daesh to make Afghanistan another Syria. The government must come up with a plan to protect Shias."

Until a few months ago, Daesh was largely confined to the eastern Afghan Province of Nangarhar, which borders Pakistan. The group has earned notoriety for brutality including beheadings across the volatile region.

Afghan government officials recently warned that the group had expanded its foothold into some other provinces as well.

ME