Kidnappers kill Herat imam in captivity (Video)

HERAT CITY (PAN): An imam has been killed by his kidnappers in captivity in western Herat province after his family failed to pay ransom, relatives say. Muhammad Noor, the prayer leader in the main mosque in Ghoryan district, was killed 40 days after he was kidnapped by unknown gunmen. His brother Mohammad Gul told Pajhwok Afghan News the kidnappers had sought 500,000 afghanis in return for his brother’s release. Locals accuse the government of doing nothing to purge the district of armed militants who patrol roads at night. They say the government has failed to provide security for residents under threat from illegal armed groups. PAJHWOK/Mawladad Yaqobi