Three people were killed by gunmen claiming they were Taliban members at an eastern Afghan wedding because they were playing their music at the reception.
After the guests refused to stop listening to music, three attackers opened fired on the wedding reception in Nangarhar Province’s Surkh Road District.
The attack on Friday resulted in at least three deaths and many more injuries. CNN was informed by a local journalist that 10 people were injured.
Zabihullah mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban government, said that two of three attackers had been captured but the other escaped. He also denied that they were acting for the Islamist movement.
Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesperson for the Taliban government, stated that two of the attackers were arrested and the other was still at large. He also denied that they were acting on behalf Islamist movements (file image: Taliban fighters).
‘[On Friday]At the wedding of Haji Malang Jan at Shamspur mar Ghundi village in Nangarhar, three people introducing themselves as Taliban entered the proceedings and requested that the music cease playing,” he said.
“As a result, at least three people were killed and many others were injured by the firing.
The Taliban have taken two suspects into custody in connection with the incident. One of the escaped suspects is still being pursued.
“The perpetrators of this incident, who used the Islamic Emirate name to carry out their personal feud have been handed over to Sharia law.
Qazi Mullah Adel, the spokesperson for the Taliban governor of Nangarhar province, confirmed that the incident occurred but did not provide any details. A relative of the victims claimed that the Taliban fighters opened fire while music was being played.
The Taliban had banned music during their last rule in Afghanistan. While the new government has not yet issued a similar decree, its leadership still denies its use for entertainment and considers it a violation of Islamic law.
Zabihullah mujahid, spokesperson for Taliban government, said that three gunmen had attacked the wedding
‘The young men were listening to music in a separate space when three Taliban fighters arrived and opened fire. Witnesses said that the injuries sustained by the two wounded were serious.
“In the ranks of Islamic Emirate, no one has the right turn anyone away music or anything. All they can do is try to persuade them. Mujahid had stated earlier that this was the main way.
“If anyone kills someone, even if they are our personnel,” we will bring them before the court and they will face the law.
Between 1996 and 2001 the Taliban government imposed strict Islamic law interpretations, as well as harsh public punishments.
However, the Taliban, seeking international recognition and the end of sanctions, has attempted to present a more moderate face since returning to power in August after overthrowing the US-backed government.