KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – A 32-year-old man was found dead in southern Afghanistan’s Zabul province on Friday, local sources said, amid a recent surge in reported mysterious killings in different parts of the country.
The victim, identified as Khan, was originally from neighboring Helmand province. His body was discovered in a desert area near Qalat, the capital of Zabul province, according to local sources.
Sources said Khan had been working in Zabul digging deep wells, a common source of employment in the drought-prone region. He reportedly traveled to Qalat on Thursday to purchase fuel for his work but did not return. His body was found the following day.
According to the sources, unknown assailants killed Khan and took his motorcycle and cash before fleeing the area.
The exact circumstances of the killing remain unclear. Local Taliban authorities have not commented on the incident.
The death adds to a growing list of similar reported killings in recent days. On Thursday, the body of a 13-year-old boy was found in southern Helmand province. Earlier this week, a 14-year-old boy was stabbed to death in Darzab district of northern Jowzjan province. Days earlier, the body of a young man was discovered in Kandahar province.
While the Taliban say they have restored stability and security since taking power, residents, civil society activists, and human rights groups continue to raise concerns about civilian safety, the transparency of criminal investigations, and accountability for perpetrators of violent crimes.
