KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Taliban local officials in Helmand say that two people have been killed in a “family dispute” in Lashkargah, the capital of the province.
Hafiz Rashid Helmandi, the Taliban’s Director of Information and Culture in Helmand, said that the incident occurred today (Sunday, 21 June) following an argument between a husband and wife.
He added that relatives of the woman first stabbed and killed a member of the husband’s family. The husband then opened fire on his wife’s relatives, killing one person.
The Taliban’s Director of Information and Culture in Helmand said that several individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, but he did not specify the exact number of detainees.
Similar deadly family disputes have previously been reported in various provinces across Afghanistan.
Family disputes have long been a social challenge in Afghanistan, but many observers and rights groups say that economic hardship, unemployment, displacement, psychological stress caused by decades of conflict, and limited access to legal and social support services have contributed to an increase in domestic tensions in recent years.
Disagreements over marriage, inheritance, financial difficulties, and family honor frequently escalate into violence. Women are often disproportionately affected by these disputes due to deeply rooted gender inequalities and their limited access to protection mechanisms.
Human rights organizations have documented cases in which women have faced domestic violence, forced marriages, restrictions on movement, and other forms of abuse within the family. Since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, concerns have also grown over the reduced availability of support services and legal protections for women, leaving many with fewer options to seek assistance or escape abusive situations.
Between January 2022 and June 2024, the human rights monitoring group Afghan Witness documented at least 840 cases of violence against women and girls, including 332 killings. Experts warn the actual figures are likely much higher, as many cases go unreported due to social stigma, fear of retaliation, and lack of access to justice.
