Two separate incidents in Afghanistan’s provinces of Daykundi and Ghazni have resulted in the deaths of a former Afghan intelligence officer and a tribal elder, with the motives behind both killings and the identities of those responsible remaining unclear.
According to local sources, a former security official and intelligence officer, Mohammad Ali Toofan, was shot dead by unidentified armed individuals on Thursday evening in Shahristan district of Daykundi province.
Residents familiar with the deceased stated that Toofan had no known personal disputes and had remained in Afghanistan following the collapse of the former Afghan government, after reportedly placing his trust in the general amnesty announced by the Taliban authorities.
Sources said that approximately two years ago, Taliban intelligence officials had detained Toofan over alleged links with the National Resistance Front (NRF). He was reportedly held in Pul-e-Charkhi prison in Kabul and Bagram prison in Parwan before being released. After his release around five months ago, he had resumed agricultural activities and was living a private life.
Local residents described him as a person with no apparent hostility toward others. He leaves behind six children.
In a separate incident in Ghazni province, the body of tribal elder Qadir Ali Rifat was discovered in Qara Bagh district nearly 24 hours after he went missing.
According to local sources, Rifat had left his home on a motorcycle on the morning of July 16 to travel to the Aliabad Tamaki market, but did not return. After a search operation by local residents, his body was recovered with visible signs of violence and injuries.
Authorities have yet to determine the motive behind either incident, and no group or individual has claimed responsibility for the killings. Taliban officials have also not issued an immediate statement regarding the two deaths.
The incidents have raised further concerns regarding the security situation in parts of Afghanistan, particularly involving individuals associated with previous government institutions and influential figures within local communities.
Further investigations are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the killings, identify those responsible, and establish whether the incidents were linked to broader security-related developments.
