KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Local sources have confirmed that Taliban forces shot and killed a young man at a checkpoint in the Pul-e-Rangina area of Herat city.
The victim, identified as 23-year-old Mujtaba, was killed on Saturday, October 19, while riding his motorcycle through the city’s fourth district.
According to sources, Mujtaba lived in the Pul-e-Rangina area, with his family originally hailing from Shadijan village in Injil district, Herat. The Taliban reportedly returned his body to his family but “coerced them into agreeing not to file any complaints against the group.”
No further details were provided on the motive behind the killing.
Taliban authorities have yet to comment on the incident.
This killing has added to the growing fear among locals regarding the Taliban’s rule, as it is not the first time the group has been accused of violence at checkpoints. Residents have expressed concern over the increasingly violent behavior of Taliban fighters, who now act as security forces.
Since their return to power in Afghanistan three years ago, the Taliban, despite their announced “general amnesty,” have been involved in large-scale persecution. They have arrested, detained, tortured, and in many cases, killed hundreds of former government officials, ex-military personnel, and opponents.
A recent UN report by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres documented at least four extrajudicial killings, nine arbitrary arrests, and six instances of torture or ill-treatment of former officials and soldiers by the Taliban over the past three months.
Rights groups and activists continue to voice concerns over ongoing revenge killings and enforced disappearances, despite Taliban claims to the contrary.