The Taliban Did Not Kill 13 People at a Wedding
The Claim
The Taliban assassinated 13 people at a wedding party after they refused to stop playing music.
News posted on
Emerging story
Claims that the Taliban killed 13 people at a wedding in Nangarhr in Eastern Afghanistan are being shared widely on social media. According to the claim, the killings were carried out because music was being played at the wedding reception. India Today also shared the story.
Misbar’s Analysis
The Misbar team conducted an investigation into the claim, beginning with a review of credible news sources. The findings revealed that at least two people were killed, with some reports claiming three, rather than the claimed thirteen. The Taliban, on the other hand, denies that one of their members was responsible for the killings and claims that, while they identified themselves as Taliban, they were actually members of the Islamist movement.
Another report states that the perpetrators were members of a local checkpoint who wanted the music at the wedding to be halted before they opened fire on guests.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated that two of the three gunmen had been arrested and that they were still looking for the third. In a series of tweets, which can be seen below, Zabihullah reaffirmed his previous statements.
Based on the findings, the Misbar team confirms that the claim is misleading.
