A Kabul man who was on his way to Mazar-e-Sharif for his wedding was killed by Taliban early Saturday on the Mazar-e-Sharif highway, Baghlan officials confirmed.
The groom, Omid, had been traveling to Mazar with his family when the incident occurred.
Omid’s father was also killed in the attack. At the time of the incident, Afghan security forces had been fighting Taliban insurgents in the area.
Baghlan hospital officials said the two men had been killed in the Chashma-e-Shir area of Pul-e-Khumri in northern Baghlan after the Taliban targeted a civilian vehicle.
Omid and his father were killed, while at least four other members of his family were wounded.
“All the victims are from one family. Two men were killed and four others, which include women and children, were injured,” according to the official.
“In today’s incident, five wounded patients and one dead person were brought to the hospital. Later one of the wounded died. Among the wounded were two children and a woman,” said Ayenuddin Sayadi head of Pul-e-Khumre provincial hospital.
“They were a family on their way to Mazar-e-Sharif for their son’s wedding but unfortunately their vehicle was targeted by the enemies. We urge government to take care of security on highways,” said Nadira Nahrenwal, a civil society activist and a member of the dead groom’s family.
Meanwhile Baghlan provincial council criticized security forces and said that Baghlan police must stop motorists from using the road when clashes are underway.
The head of Baghlan provincial council Asadullah Shahbaz said the deaths were due to Baghlan police’s negligence.
“The security forces must stop passengers from driving through areas where clashes are going on,” Shahbaz said.
Baghlan police also confirmed the death of the two civilians during a clash with the Taliban.
“A vehicle was targeted by the Taliban and civilians were killed and wounded and two Taliban members were also killed by the security forces,” police Chief Akramuddin Sare said.
The victims and family members have called for justice.