Afghan Reporter and Wife Injured, Daughter and Relatives Killed in Ukrainian Drone Attack

October 12, 2023

Kabul – Khaibar Akifi an Afghan journalist working for Russia's Sputnik News Agency, and his wife were seriously injured in an attack by a Ukrainian drone in the Belgorod region of Russia. Tragically, the couple's young daughter and two other relatives lost their lives in the incident.

Vyacheslav Gladkov, the governor of Belgorod, announced via Telegram messenger that a Ukrainian drone attack in the area resulted in the deaths of three people, including a child, and left two others with severe injuries. The attack took place around midnight on Wednesday, October 11. The Afghan Journalists Center (AFJC) has confirmed that Khyber Akfi and his family were affected by the incident.

A relative of Khaibar Akifi informed the AFJC that both the journalist and his wife suffered serious injuries, while their four-year-old daughter, along with the reporter's mother and father-in-law, tragically lost their lives. The relative stated that Khaibar and his wife are currently receiving medical care in the hospital, with Khaibar showing signs of recovery since last night. However, his condition remains critical. The journalist's wife, on the other hand, is reported to be in a stable condition, showing signs of improvement.

The governor of the Belgorod region disclosed that Khaibar Akifi sustained injuries to his respiratory tract and suffered burns, while the other injured parties suffered fractures and brain trauma.

Ahmad Quraishi, the executive director of AFJC, expressed deep sympathy for those affected by the incident. He stated, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of the Akifi family members and the injury of this young and talented journalist and his wife in this horrific incident. Our thoughts are with the Akifi family, and we pray for a swift recovery for the journalist and his wife."

Khaibar Akifi 29, who completed his higher education in Russia, worked as a reporter for the Afghanistan section of the state-run Sputnik news agency.