afghantalibaninghazni_ap670
Taliban fighters in Afghanistan. — Photo by AP

KANDAHAR: Taliban insurgents beheaded 17 Afghan civilians for taking part in a music event in a Taliban-controlled area of southern Afghanistan, Afghan officials said.

The Interior Ministry said the attack happened Sunday in Helmand province and that gunfire was also involved.

Helmand provincial government spokesman Daoud Ahmadi said the attack happened in Musa Qala district.

Ahmadi said all of the victims had their heads chopped off. He said it was not clear if they were shot first.

The Musa Qala government chief said the people had gathered for a celebration and were playing music and dancing and the insurgents wanted to stop the event.

Neyamatullah Khan said the area where the slaughter took place is completely in Taliban control and so he does not have more details yet.

Opinion

Who bears the cost?

Who bears the cost?

This small window of low inflation should compel a rethink of how the authorities and employers understand the average household’s

Editorial

Internet restrictions
Updated 23 Dec, 2024

Internet restrictions

Notion that Pakistan enjoys unprecedented freedom of expression difficult to reconcile with the reality of restrictions.
Bangladesh reset
23 Dec, 2024

Bangladesh reset

THE vibes were positive during Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent meeting with Bangladesh interim leader Dr...
Leaving home
23 Dec, 2024

Leaving home

FROM asylum seekers to economic migrants, the continuing exodus from Pakistan shows mass disillusionment with the...
Military convictions
Updated 22 Dec, 2024

Military convictions

Pakistan’s democracy, still finding its feet, cannot afford such compromises on core democratic values.
Need for talks
22 Dec, 2024

Need for talks

FOR a long time now, the country has been in the grip of relentless political uncertainty, featuring the...
Vulnerable vaccinators
22 Dec, 2024

Vulnerable vaccinators

THE campaign to eradicate polio from Pakistan cannot succeed unless the safety of vaccinators and security personnel...