An explosion in his office has killed Mohammad Dawood Muzammil, the Taliban governor of Balkh province in northern Afghanistan.
AFP reported on Thursday that Muzammil was the most senior official to be killed since the Taliban retook power in 2021.
Since then, there has been a marked decrease in violence, but numerous attacks, many of which were claimed by Islamic State, have killed prominent pro-Taliban figures as well as other people.
The most recent explosion’s cause is unknown, according to the local police, and no one has made an immediate claim of responsibility.
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The governor was “martyred in an explosion by the enemies of Islam,” according to a tweet from Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.
Additionally, he said that an investigation would be launched to identify those responsible for the attack and its motivation.
In his previous position as governor of the eastern province of Nangarhar, Muzammil is said to have led the fight against Islamic State militants. He was transferred to Balkh in October.
The explosion happened “around 9 am… inside the second floor of the governor’s office,” according to Mohammed Asif Waziri, a spokesman for Balkh police.
According to police, the attack claimed at least one other life. According to reports, several other people suffered injuries.
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An explosion occurred. Khairuddin, who was hurt in the explosion, told AFP, “I fell to the ground. He claimed to have witnessed a friend lose a hand in the blast.
According to the governor, the explosion happened right when he entered his office.
