Afghan Journalists Union Calls for Probe into Reporter’s Death in Airstrike
The Afghanistan Independent Journalists Union has condemned the killing of Abdul Zahir Safi, a media worker affiliated with the Taliban administration, in a recent airstrike in Kabul. The union is urging an immediate and transparent investigation into the incident.
According to people close to the victim, the airstrike took place on Thursday (October 15) in a residential area of Kabul during what they described as a temporary ceasefire between the Taliban and Pakistan. Safi worked in the technical and music department of the Taliban government’s Ministry of Information and Culture, producing religious content and songs.
In a statement, the journalists union stressed that media workers are considered civilians under international law, and targeting them constitutes a clear violation of the laws of war. The organization has demanded that those responsible be identified and held accountable, and that justice be provided to the victim’s family.
In a related development, the International Federation of Journalists also issued a statement, calling the airstrike a “blatant breach of international laws,” and urged all governments to ensure the safety of journalists during conflicts.
Reports indicate that Abdul Zahir Safi is the second media worker affiliated with the Taliban administration to be killed within two days amid escalating border tensions with Pakistan. Prior to Safi’s death, Abdul Ghafour Abid, a reporter for the national radio and television in Khost province, was reportedly targeted by Pakistani border forces.
These two incidents raise serious concerns about journalist safety in conflict zones and the Taliban administration’s responsibilities in protecting media personnel, particularly amid ongoing accusations of press freedom restrictions under its rule.
