KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – A young man was shot dead in Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of northern Balkh province, local sources reported, amid a rise in violent crime and targeted killings across Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
The victim was identified as Bigzad Rasuli, originally from neighboring Jowzjan province. He was killed on Wednesday, July 29, while on duty at a commercial center in Mazar-e-Sharif.
According to the sources, he was allegedly shot by one of his coworkers. The motive for the killing has not been established.
Local Taliban authorities in Balkh province have so far made no public comment on the incident or any investigation.
The killing comes amid a series of reported violent incidents across Afghanistan in recent weeks. Local sources have reported the deaths of a 13-year-old boy in Helmand province, a 14-year-old boy in Jawzjan province, and another young man in Kandahar in separate incidents.
Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have repeatedly said they restored nationwide security and significantly reduced armed conflict and crimes. However, residents, civil society activists, and human rights organizations continue to express concerns about violent crime, targeted killings, and the limited transparency surrounding criminal investigations.
