UNAMA Security Official Survives Armed Attack in Bamyan

DID Press: Dr Karim Karimi, security officer at the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) office in Bamyan province, survived an armed attack on Wednesday evening, local sources told DID Press. He was not injured in the incident.

According to the sources, the attack took place at around 6:30 p.m. in Bamyan city. Images received by DID Press show a bullet striking the front windshield of Karimi’s vehicle.

Speculation has also emerged that the incident may have been intended to create a security case to facilitate Karimi’s departure from the country. However, no independent evidence has been presented to substantiate this claim, and the motive behind the attack and the identities of those responsible remain unclear.

DID Press’s review suggests that the images may have been provided to media outlets by people close to Karimi, as taking professional-quality photographs at night can be difficult for ordinary citizens and journalists because of security restrictions.

Local sources also say Karimi is related to Hayatullah Khandan, a well-known businessman in Bamyan. Khandan was wounded in an armed attack at his home around three years ago and died some time later.