MAZAR-I-SHARIF, Afghanistan — The body of a tribal elder who was reported missing last week was discovered on Saturday in the northern province of Samangan, according to local sources.
Mohammad Akbar Niazi, a community leader and head of the Khurrami tribal council in Samangan, was found dead in a village on the outskirts of Aybak, the provincial capital.
He had also served as a local representative in the district council.
Sources told Amu TV that Niazi was abducted on Thursday, My 8, near the Taliban police headquarters in Aybak. One source, speaking on condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisal, said Niazi was initially detained by Taliban forces and was able to contact his family about two hours later to inform them he was in Taliban custody.
Amu could not independently verify the circumstances of the arrest or the cause of death. Taliban officials have not commented on the incident.
Niazi’s body was reportedly discovered in the village of Kipank Archa on the outskirts of Aybak City on Saturday, May 10.
