Tragedy struck at an Afghan wedding Friday when Taliban fighters opened fire on attendees for playing music. Three people died, and at least ten were injured in the shooting.
The attack was carried out by three men, who claimed to be members of the Taliban. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told reporters during a news conference on Sunday that the gunmen opened fire at a wedding in the Surkh Rod district of Nangarhar Province.
He did not confirm whether or not they are linked to the group but said playing music was not was a reason to kill anyone. He added that the incident is under investigation to see if the shooting was due to a personal feud.
“In the ranks of the Islamic Emirate, no one has the right to turn anyone away from music or anything, only to try to persuade them,” Mujahid said.
Two of the suspects have been arrested so far, while one of the gunmen is still at large.
The Taliban had banned music from 1996 to 2001 when they previously ruled the country. However, the new government has not issued a decree regarding music.
