KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – A 12-year-old girl was found dead in Afghanistan’s eastern Nangarhar province on Thursday, local sources reported, the latest incident amid a rise in mysterious killings and violent crimes across the country.
The girl’s body was discovered on Thursday morning, August 6, in the third district of Jalalabad, the provincial capital, according to local sources.
The identity of the victim and the circumstances surrounding her death remain unclear. Sources said initial findings suggested she died from strangulation, and that signs of violence were visible on her body.
Residents handed the body over to Taliban authorities, who have not yet commented on the incident.
The case comes amid a number of reported mysterious killings and violent crimes across Afghanistan in recent weeks. Several similar incidents involving young people, including teenage boys and girls, have been reported in different provinces.
A March 2026 report by the rights group Rawadari documented at least 611 cases of targeted, mysterious, or extrajudicial killings and injuries across Afghanistan in 2025, marking an increase of more than 40% compared with the previous year.
The report said victims included former government employees, individuals accused of links to opposition groups, protesters, tribal elders, and other community figures. It also expressed concerns over the lack of transparent investigations and accountability in such cases.
While the Taliban say they have restored security nationwide, residents, civil society activists, and rights groups continue to raise concerns over civilian protection, transparent investigations, and accountability for perpetrators.
