ISLAMABAD: Unidentified gunmen killed two Chinese nationals in northeasternAfghanistan on Saturday evening, marking the latest assault on Beijing’spersonnel and investments in the country.
The incident took place in Maimai district of Badakhshan province, a remotearea known for mining activity. Local residents told journalists that thevictims, believed to be involved in gold extraction, were targeted by armedmen who fled the scene immediately.Senior Afghan affairs correspondentTajuden Soroush reported on X: “This evening TWO Chinese nationals werekilled by unknown gunmen in Maimai district of Badakhshan province.”
Security analyst Ali Maisam Nazary described the attack as part of a“systematic campaign” against Chinese projects, adding that the Talibanadministration has failed to provide adequate protection despite repeatedassurances to Beijing.The killings come days after a drone strike inneighbouring Tajikistan killed three Chinese miners, an attack Dushanbeblamed on militants operating from Afghan soil.
No group has claimed responsibility for Saturday’s shooting. The Talibanspokesman in Badakhshan acknowledged the incident but provided no furtherdetails when contacted by media.China has emerged as one of the fewcountries maintaining economic ties with the Taliban government, withseveral mining and infrastructure contracts signed since 2021.
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The latest violence is likely to raise fresh concerns in Beijing about thesafety of its citizens and investments across Afghanistan.
Source: https://x.com/TajudenSoroush/status/1862894738212347901