KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – A 24-year-old man has died by suicide in western Afghanistan, local sources report.
The incident occurred today, February 16, in the village of Nawroozi in Farah province.
The young man, identified as Reza, ended his life using an AK-47 rifle.
While the exact reason remains unclear, sources suggest he was struggling with mental health issues.
Taliban authorities have not yet commented on the incident.
More than three years into Taliban rule, Afghanistan is facing a deepening mental health crisis, with alarming rates of psychological distress and suicidal thoughts. A 2023 Gallup study revealed that 98% of Afghans experience mental health issues.
Investigations by Etilaat Roz and KabulNow reported at least 213 suicide deaths in Afghanistan in 2023, nearly 80% involving individuals under the age of 20.
However, the true numbers are believed to be higher, as many cases go unreported due to Taliban media restrictions and the stigma surrounding mental health.
