17 civilians found beheaded in Helmand

LASHKARGAH (PAN were found beheaded in a house in the Musa Qala district of southern Helmand province, officials said on Monday.

Although there were no immediate claims of responsibility, local officials blamed the Taliban insurgents for killing the civilians, who had attended a “mixed-gender” party where men and women were celebrating the Eidul Fitr.

The rebels opened fire and then beheaded 17 civilians, including two women, in the Roshanabad area on Sunday night, governor’s spokesman Daud Ahmadi told Pajhwok Afghan News.

It was “inhumane and cowardly act,” the Ministry of Interior condemned the incident in a statement.

The victims had gathered for a celebration and were listening to music and dancing when the attack took place, Ahmadi said.

The incident comes the day the Taliban killed 10 Afghan soldiers in an attack elsewhere in the province.

The Taliban banned music, games and other forms of entertainment during their five years in power.

The area, where civilians were beheaded, is under Taliban control. The town’s administrative head Namatullah said the civilians had been killed on the charge of cooperation with the government.

A security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said residents had organized the music programme to celebrate Eidul Fitter festival. He said women danced at the show.

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