KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – An elderly man was killed by armed robbers on the Balkh-Jowzjan highway Monday night, local sources reported, highlighting ongoing security challenges and a rise in violent crimes across Afghanistan.
The victim, identified as Najibullah Pahlawan, was originally from Faryab province. Sources said he was returning from Balkh, where he had traveled to pay for his Hajj pilgrimage, when the attack occurred.
After killing him, the robbers reportedly ran over his body with a vehicle, leaving it mutilated.
Taliban authorities have not commented on the incident.
The incident comes amid a surge in violent crimes, including armed robberies, targeted killings, and mysterious deaths, across the country. In the past three days, at least two other killings were reported in Kandahar and Nimruz provinces.
Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have claimed to restore security nationwide, but citizens, human rights groups, and activists have criticized the group for failing to protect civilians and for a lack of transparency in investigating violent crimes.
