Two foreign female aid workers have been shot dead by unknown gunmen while travelling in a taxi in the western Afghan city of Herat.
"This morning at around 11.30am (1700 AEST) gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire at two foreigners riding in a taxi and killed them," Sayed Fazullah Wahidy, governor of Herat province, said on Thursday.
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 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.
The charity confirmed on Thursday the victims were Finnish.
"With deep sadness we confirm that today, July 24th, two Finnish expatriate female staff members of IAM (International Assistance Mission) have been killed in Herat," the statement signed by acting executive director Heini Makila said.
The Finnish foreign ministry also confirmed their nationality.
Share
