Unknown Armed Men Shoot Dead 13 Civilian Passengers In N. Afghanistan

A group of unknown armed people, presumably Taliban militants intercepted two civilian vehicles in Zari district of the northern Balkh province on Saturday and shot dead 13 travelers, a local official said.
"A group of unidentified armed men, apparently Taliban militants stopped two vehicles in Hazrat Bai area of Zari district and after taking out all passengers from their cars shot dead 13 commuters, all civilians," head of villagers council in the area, Sayed Abdul Rahim told Xinhua.
The bloody incident happened at around 11:30 a.m. local time when the people were on their way to the provincial capital Mazar- e-Sharif.
The attackers allowed only a woman to escape and brutally killed the other 13 passengers, the official said.
Police spokesman in Balkh province, Shir Durani also confirmed the bloody incident, and without giving more details said that an investigation has been initiated into the case. (Cihan/Xinhua)