Four people, including three Spanish citizens, were killed in a shooting in central Afghanistan on Friday. The victims were attacked while shopping at an open-air market in Bamyan city, a region noted for its historical and cultural significance, especially known for the Bamiyan Buddhas.

The Afghan Interior Ministry spokesperson, Mufti Abdul Mateen Qani, confirmed that three Europeans and one Afghan were killed in the attack. Additionally, four foreign nationals and three Afghans were injured. The Spanish government reported that a group of six Spaniards were in the area when at least one armed individual opened fire on them.

One of the injured Spanish citizens has been transferred to a hospital in Kabul and is in serious condition after undergoing surgery. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has spoken with the two uninjured Spanish citizens, offering support and ensuring their safety.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez expressed his condolences on social media, describing the victims as tourists and stressing the Spanish Foreign Ministry's efforts to assist their families and friends. He also stated that the Emergency Consular Unit is working diligently to provide the necessary support to the affected families.

Prosecutors from Spain’s National Court in Madrid have opened an investigation into the shooting, considering potential links to terrorism. The Spanish fatalities included a man and two women from Barcelona, Girona, and Figueres.

The Afghan Interior Ministry, along with other local authorities, has arrested four suspects in connection with the attack. The Taliban-led government has condemned the shooting and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. The attack highlights the ongoing security challenges in Afghanistan despite efforts to stabilize the region.

There were also reports of an Australian national among the injured, with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirming they are providing consular assistance to their citizen. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of tourists in Afghanistan, a country still grappling with security challenges and frequent violent attacks.

The region of Bamyan, historically a site of relative peace and safety compared to other parts of Afghanistan, has seen an increase in violence, further complicating the country's efforts to attract tourism and promote its cultural heritage. This shooting marks a significant blow to those efforts and underscores the volatile security situation in Afghanistan.

The Spanish government is closely monitoring the situation and working with Afghan authorities to ensure that justice is served and that the safety of other Spanish nationals in the region is guaranteed. The Taliban has expressed its commitment to finding and punishing the perpetrators, though the complex security dynamics in the country pose significant challenges to such efforts.