Second media worker killed in Afghanistan as cross-border tensions escalate

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published last month |  IFJ Media Release

KABUL—Afghan media worker Abdul Zahir Safi was killed in a civilian area of Kabul after an alleged airstrike on the city on October 16. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the Afghan Independent Journalists’ Union (AIJU) strongly condemn the killing and demand an urgent investigation into the circumstances of his death.

Safi is the second media worker to be killed in Afghanistan in two days amid escalated tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan and cross-border fighting in the Spin Boldak border region. Both countries confirmed a temporary ceasefire on October 15.

AIJU said Safi was employed by Afghanistan’s state-run media, working in the Technical and Taranum Directorates, which operate under the Ministry of Information and Culture to regulate and promote religious-themed poetry and songs (taranas) that align with Islamic values. He was in his 50s.

Violence between the two countries has escalated since explosions were reported in Kabul and Kandahar last week, and border fighting intensified over the weekend of October 11 and 12. Both sides have accused the other of initiating the conflict, which has claimed the lives of troops on both sides as well as civilian casualties in Afghanistan. The Taliban claims it has killed more than 50 military personnel, while the Pakistan military claims it has killed around 200 Taliban troops.

AIJU sources reported to IFJ that Safi was killed during another air strike on Kabul yesterday, after the ceasefire call. Meanwhile, Pakistani state media reported its armed forces had carried out air strikes on targets in Kandahar province and Kabul. AIJU is calling for a serious investigation and accountability for those responsible for the tragic incident.

In a statement, Afghanistan’s state broadcaster called the killing “a deliberate attack” on journalists, but the statement did not include the exact time or location of the attack.

Safi’s death follows the killing of journalist Abdul Ghafoor Abed, who died while reporting on the clashes on October 14. Afghan journalist Tawab Arman was injured in the same attack, as well as a driver.

The AIJU said: “The Union expresses its deep sorrow over the martyrdom of Abdul Zahir Safi and extends its heartfelt condolences to his respected family, media colleagues, and the entire media community of Afghanistan.”

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said: “The killing of Abdul Zahit Safi is a tragedy and media workers who are guaranteed protections under international law as ordinary civilians should not be targeted. The IFJ reiterates its demand that state actors adhere to international law and ensure the safety of media workers amid conflict outbreaks.”

Photo caption: The family of Abdul Zahir Safi, who was killed during an air attack on Kabul on October 16. Credit: TOLOnews