KABUL, July 9, (Reuters) – Afghan Air Force Major Dastagir Zamaray had grown so fearful of Taliban assassinations of off-duty forces in Kabul that he decided to sell his home to move to a safer pocket of Afghanistan’s sprawling capital.
Instead of being greeted by a prospective buyer at his realtor’s office earlier this year, the 41-year-old pilot was confronted by a gunman who walked inside and, without a word, fatally shot the real estate agent in the mouth.
Zamaray reached for his sidearm but the gunman shot him in the head. The father of seven collapsed dead on his 14-year-old son, who had tagged along. The boy was spared, but barely speaks anymore, his family says.
Taliban capture key Afghanistan-Iran border crossing
More – The Taliban have captured a major border crossing between Afghanistan and Iran, according to Afghan officials.
Video footage appeared to show Taliban forces taking down the Afghan flag from the roof of the border customs office.
The Islam Qala crossing is one of the biggest trade gateways into Iran, generating an estimated $20m (£14m) monthly revenue for the government.
The Taliban are rapidly retaking land across Afghanistan as the US-led mission removes the last of its troops.
