An Australian-Afghan man was shot and killed during a visit to his hometown in Afghanistan’s Ghazni province, according to local sources, in the latest of a series of unexplained killings reported across the country.
Sources told Amu TV that Mohammad Ali Atayi, an Afghan-born Australian citizen, was killed two days ago in Jaghori district after returning to Afghanistan for the first time in several years.
According to the sources, Atayi had traveled to his native village of Baba in Jaghori after deciding to visit Afghanistan.
He was reportedly shot dead by unidentified armed men. The motive for the killing remains unclear.
Taliban have not publicly commented on the incident.
The killing comes as reports of mysterious shootings, targeted killings and other violent crimes have continued to surface in various parts of Afghanistan, raising concerns among residents despite Taliban assertions that the country is secure.
In recent months, Amu TV has reported multiple cases of civilians being shot dead by unidentified gunmen in different provinces, including incidents linked to personal disputes, criminal activity and motives that remain unknown.
The case may also draw attention because Atayi held Australian citizenship and had returned from abroad to visit Afghanistan.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has repeatedly advised its citizens not to travel to Afghanistan, citing the risks of terrorism, kidnapping, civil unrest and arbitrary detention.
In its most recent travel advisory, the Australian government warned that “no part of Afghanistan is safe from the threat of terrorist attacks” and said foreigners could be targeted anywhere in the country.
The advisory also noted a heightened risk of kidnapping, particularly for foreign nationals, aid workers, medical personnel and employees of nongovernmental organizations.
Australia has no diplomatic presence in Afghanistan and has said its ability to provide consular assistance to citizens in the country is extremely limited.
The circumstances surrounding Atayi’s killing remain unclear, and no group has claimed responsibility. Local sources said the victim’s family is seeking answers about the motive for the attack.
