Thirteen members of a single family, including a pregnant woman and five children, were brutally murdered in Khost province’s Alisher district, marking one of the deadliest attacks in recent months. According to local sources, the attack has shocked the community.
The massacre took place on the night of Tuesday, January 28, when unidentified gunmen stormed the family’s home, killing six women, two men, and five children. The attackers left no survivors, wiping out an entire household.
While the motive behind the murders remains unclear, the incident adds to growing fears over the rising number of targeted attacks in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban’s return to power, reprisal murders and violent disputes have escalated, with former government officials, security personnel, and civilians increasingly falling victim to unchecked violence. A resident of the area stated that many in the community are worried about the lack of security and the rise in violent incidents.
The lack of accountability has fueled concerns that personal feuds, tribal conflicts, and revenge attacks are spiraling out of control. Families across Afghanistan continue to mourn loved ones lost to such brutal acts, with little hope for justice. One local man mentioned that families are feeling vulnerable and uncertain about their safety as such acts of violence continue with little resolution.
In response to the Khost massacre, Taliban authorities announced the arrest of seven suspects.
Mustaghfir Gurbaz, the Taliban spokesperson for the governor of Khost, confirmed the arrests in a post on X, stating that the individuals were “highly suspicious” and that investigations were ongoing. Gurbaz did not disclose further details about the suspects or their possible motives, only stating that they would be handed over to judicial authorities after the investigation.
