The Taliban’s police command in Badakhshan province has confirmed the killing of Zabihullah Amiri, the group’s Director of Information and Culture in the province. According to a statement issued by the Taliban police, Amiri was killed on the morning of Tuesday, July 28, after being attacked by two motorcycle-riding assailants while traveling to his office on the Baharak–Faizabad road.
The Taliban said Amiri’s bodyguards engaged the attackers immediately after the assault, killing one of them. The group did not release further details about the identity of the attackers or their motives.
Ehsanullah Kamgar, spokesperson for the Taliban police in Badakhshan, said the “second perpetrator” had been arrested by Taliban forces. According to him, the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Earlier, sources had reported that the Taliban’s Director of Information and Culture in Badakhshan was assassinated on Tuesday, July 28. According to those sources, the attack took place in the Kol Dasht area, near the town of Baharak.
According to available information, Amiri’s driver was also wounded in the attack. Sources added that Taliban forces imposed strict security measures in the area immediately afterward.
The sources said Amiri’s body was transferred to the Baharak Clinic. They further claimed that after his body was brought to the facility, medical staff left the premises. Taliban officials have not commented on this part of the report.
Reports indicate that Amiri was targeted while traveling from his home in Baharak to his office in Faizabad. No individual or group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.
The killing comes amid recent reports of an increase in attacks by armed groups opposed to the Taliban, including the Afghanistan Freedom Front, in Badakhshan province. However, no group has so far acknowledged involvement in this attack.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
