Two separate violent incidents in Afghanistan on Monday have raised fresh concerns about security under Taliban regime, as explosions in Panjshir and the killing of a Turkmen community elder in Mazar-e-Sharif underscored growing instability across the country.
Sources from Panjshir reported that two powerful explosions struck a Taliban base in the Manjinsto area of Abdullah Khil Valley at around 7:40 pm.
The blasts targeted a central Taliban outpost located inside the compound of a local figure known as Mawlawi Malik. At least eight Taliban members were killed in one of the explosions, while three to four others were wounded.
The full casualty toll remains unclear, as Taliban units quickly sealed off the area, restricted movement and began questioning residents. Locals said Taliban fighters surrounded entire sections of the village and were not allowing civilians near the explosion site.
No group has formally claimed responsibility, but the attack appears consistent with operations carried out by the National Resistance Front (NRF), which has remained active in pockets of Panjshir.
In a separate incident in Mazar-e-Sharif, unidentified armed men assassinated a well-known Turkmen elder, Karim Agha. According to local sources, he was attacked while travelling in the central part of the city.
Karim Agha had long been regarded as an influential figure in Balkh province, known for mediating community disputes and speaking out against ethnic discrimination. His killing has sent shockwaves through the Turkmen community, with many viewing the attack as linked to his outspoken criticism of Taliban behavior toward minority groups.
Despite repeated claims by the Taliban that nationwide security has improved, targeted killings, roadside explosions, and attacks by unidentified gunmen have steadily increased in several provinces in recent months.
The two incidents highlight the widening gap between Taliban assurances and the realities faced by communities across Afghanistan, where fear and uncertainty continue to grow.
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