KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Two men were shot dead by unknown armed assailants in separate incidents in Afghanistan’s northern provinces of Jowzjan and Samangan on Wednesday, Taliban authorities said, as incidents of mysterious killings and other violent crimes continue to rise across the country.
In Samangan province, a 35-year-old man identified as Fathullah was killed inside his home in Aybak, the provincial capital, on Wednesday night, according to the Taliban police command. Authorities said the incident took place in the Akbarabad area of the city.
Earlier the same day, in neighboring Jowzjan province, a 57-year-old man was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in the Kahlak area of Sheberghan, the provincial capital, the provincial police command said.
Authorities in both provinces said the attackers fled the scene after the incidents. The motive for the killings remains unknown, and no arrests have been announced.
The incidents are the latest in a series of mysterious killings reported in Afghanistan in recent days. Over the past week, at least three other killings have been reported, including the discovery of a young man’s body in Qarabagh district of Ghazni province on Saturday, the killing of another young man in Jowzjan on Thursday night, and the stabbing death of a private bank manager in Kabul on Monday.
In most of these incidents, authorities have not confirmed any arrests, and details about investigations remain limited.
Taliban authorities say they have restored security since returning to power. However, incidents such as killings, armed robberies, and abductions continue to be reported, raising concern among residents and rights groups about public safety and accountability.
