KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – A former Afghan army officer was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Hisarak district of eastern Nangarhar province, local sources reported.
The victim, identified as Nik Mohammad, was attacked late Sunday in the Asiab Payin area of Hisarak district. According to residents, armed men opened fire on him, killing him on the spot before fleeing the scene. He had served as an officer in the 205 Atal Corps during the former government.
Sources said Nik Mohammad had lived a civilian life since the fall of Kabul in August 2021. They noted he was unemployed, had no political affiliations, and was not connected to any armed groups.
The motive behind the killing remains unclear, and the Taliban have not yet commented on the incident.
His death comes amid ongoing reports of violence against former members of Afghanistan’s security forces, despite the Taliban’s announcement of a so-called “general amnesty” after their takeover. Human rights organizations say such promises have not been upheld, pointing to continued arrests, detentions, disappearances, and killings of ex-soldiers and officials.
The UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has repeatedly documented abuses against former Afghan National Defense and Security Forces (ANDSF). In its latest quarterly report, UNAMA recorded at least seven killings, eight arbitrary arrests, and three cases of torture involving ex-soldiers between April and June 2025.
Rights organizations have urged the Taliban to uphold their promises and respect the rights of all Afghans, including former members of the security forces.
