Daylight Robbery in Afghan Province

A new form of lawlessness has emerged in Afghanistan’s eastern Khost province, as robbers dress in Afghan military uniforms to gain entry to wealthy homes.

IWPR’s reporter visited Anwar Khan, whose home was recently cleaned out by a gang. His home, a typical clay-brick compound, would be hard to break into, but these men were allowed in as they looked like legitimate members of the border security police.

Anwar Khan said the gang made off with all the money he and his brother had earned over the last 20 years.

Local officials have no figures on this form of crime, but residents say the uniformed robbers have hit many homes around Khost province in the course of 2013.

Sayed Karim Khaksar, head of Khost’s provincial council, acknowledged that the attacks were increasing, especially in more remote areas. He said the council and the security agencies were working together on “serious plans” to tackle the epidemic.

Businessmen who fear they might be next on the list suspect that the uniformed raiders of having a cosy relationship with figures in authority. The local army and police headquarters denies any involvement and says the uniforms have not come from its employees. 

Ahmad Shah is an IWPR-trained reporter in Khost province.