The United Nations and an Afghan human rights group...

The United Nations and an Afghan human rights group accused fighters in northwestern Afghanistan of violating human rights during clashes in March, including the execution of 26 people whose bodies were found with their hands tied. In a joint statement, the United Nations mission in Afghanistan and the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission urged the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. United Nations officials and the representatives of the government-appointed Afghan rights group travelled to Badghis Province after fighting erupted in the area between suspected Taliban forces and soldiers loyal to the local governor, Gul Muhammad Khan. The delegation confirmed that at least 38 civilians, including 3 women and 12 children, were killed as homes and shops were looted in Akazi village. In the same area, local forces pursing Juma Khan, a senior commander in the region under the former Taliban regime, executed 26 prisoners.