Shamsuddin, popularly known as “Shams Kharabat,” son of Ghulam Mohiuddin and grandson of Ghaib Nazar, was one of the known commanders of an armed group in Nahrin district of Baghlan and surrounding areas. He was involved in numerous cases of killings, armed robberies, kidnappings, and extortion.
According to local residents, in addition to using force against people and extorting money, Shams Kharabat was also involved in kidnapping incidents for ransom.
One such case involved a well-known midwife from Nahrin district. According to reports, the midwife and her daughter-in-law were kidnapped for money, and later 800,000 Afghanis were demanded from and collected from their family in exchange for their release.
Similarly, Dr. Jahangir, a resident of the Dasht-e Qazi area of Nahrin district, was reportedly among those subjected to extortion by Shams Kharabat. According to the information received, 300,000 Afghanis were taken from him as extortion money.
According to local sources, Shams Kharabat also pressured people to prevent male doctors from working and to extort money from healthcare workers.
Shams Kharabat was killed the night before last, along with another armed commander, Qadeer, popularly known as “Baba,” in a targeted operation conducted by Afghan special forces in the Kuhgaday area of Nahrin district, Baghlan.
With his elimination, his armed activities in the area have come to an end. However, local residents say the incidents of killings, kidnappings, and extortion during his period will remain in the memories of the affected families.