KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – A civilian has been killed in Afghanistan’s southern Kandahar province after Taliban members allegedly opened fire directly on his vehicle, a local source said.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told KabulNow that the incident occurred on Sunday, October 18, at the Panjwayi intersection in the seventh district of Kandahar city.
According to the source, a man and a woman were travelling in a car when they passed through a Taliban security checkpoint. Armed Taliban members wearing civilian clothes subsequently opened fire on the vehicle, killing the driver.
The source added that Taliban members transferred the man’s body to Mirwais Regional Hospital in Kandahar.
The motive for the shooting and the identity of the victim remain unknown. Local Taliban officials in Kandahar have not commented on the incident.
Civilians have previously been killed in shootings at Taliban checkpoints across Afghanistan. Residents have raised concerns about the conduct of Taliban fighters assigned to security and policing duties, describing some of their actions as unprofessional.
Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban authorities have relied on their fighters to maintain security and perform police functions across the country. However, concerns about the use of force, accountability and the protection of civilians have persisted. Incidents involving armed personnel at checkpoints can pose particular risks to civilians when instructions are unclear or force is used without adequate justification.
The incident highlights broader concerns about the use of force by security personnel and the lack of transparent accountability mechanisms in Afghanistan. Under international human rights standards, law enforcement officials must use force only when necessary and proportionate, and potentially unlawful killings should be investigated promptly, impartially and effectively. The presence of armed personnel at checkpoints makes clear procedures and appropriate training particularly important for preventing harm to civilians.
