Four beheaded bodies discovered in Faryab

Police in the north-western province of Faryab say they have found the beheaded bodies of four local residents who had been missing for the past few days. Provincial officials said they still did not know the motive for the killings, but they have made one arrest. Provincial governor Latif Ibrahimi said six other suspects are being pursued by the police. Human rights defenders in northern Afghanistan say one of the reasons for such acts of violence and human rights violations is the continued presence of former local militia commanders who still hold weapons.