The Taliban assassinated the chief of the Afghan government’s media information centre near a mosque in the capital on Friday, just days after threatening to kill key officials in punishment for increasing airstrikes.
Another violent day of warfare in Afghanistan has spilt into Kabul for the first time in months, with the assassination of one of the government’s main speakers.
It also happens to be only hours before the United Nations Security Council meets in New York to address the situation.
“Unfortunately, the barbaric terrorists have once again performed a cowardly deed, martyring a patriotic Afghan,” stated interior ministry spokesman Mirwais Stanikzai of Dawa Khan Menipal’s murder.
Menapal was well-liked in Kabul’s close-knit media community, and he was renowned for mocking the Taliban on social media, often humorously.
Sediq Sediqqi, a former presidential spokesman, described himself as “utterly surprised and grieved.”
“Another magnificent soul has passed away,” he added.
The Taliban claimed credit for the death, claiming that “he was assassinated in a specific attack carried out by mujahideen,” according to spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.
The assassination comes after militants threatened additional attacks on Afghan government officials on Wednesday, a day after defence minister Bismillah Mohammadi narrowly avoided an assassination attempt in a bomb-and-gun attack.
The Afghan and US armies have increased airstrikes against terrorists in a number of towns, and the Taliban have claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s Kabul raid.
Since May, when foreign forces began the final step of a departure that is expected to be completed later this month, fighting in Afghanistan’s long-running conflict has escalated.
The Taliban have already taken control of significant swaths of the country and are now posing a threat to government forces in a number of provincial capitals.
