Former Afghan Military Member Killed in Targeted Shooting in Norway
Four days after the killing of a former Afghan military member in Bergen, Norway, police and media in the country released new details.
Police stated they have received about 50 public tips following a call for information. The victim was a former member of Afghanistan's 222 unit who moved to Norway with his wife in 2021 and lived in the Arna area of Bergen. His wife was also injured in the attack.
Police prosecutor Inger Lise Hovland said at a Tuesday press conference that the method of the killing indicates it was targeted at the victim specifically, and they do not believe it poses a threat to others. She added that the victim's military background is under consideration in the investigation, alongside possible links to his private relations in Norway. Police suggested others may have been involved and have questioned several people connected to the victim.
Witness Kris Andre Isager told NRK, Norway's state broadcaster, that around 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 8, he heard a noise, went outside, saw a man next to someone fallen on the ground, called emergency services, and then saw another man fleeing the scene, whom he believes was the perpetrator.
NRK reported that many Afghans in Norway are fearful following the incident, particularly those with similar military backgrounds. Friend Zakia Mohammadi described the victim as kind and compassionate who learned Norwegian quickly and trained as a mechanic. Hovland addressed concerns, stating evidence shows the target was only the victim and no broader threat exists, though the military background is being examined.
A source told Afghanistan International that the victim participated in most anti-terrorism operations in Kabul, including the 2018 Intercontinental Hotel attack. Another source linked the killing to his Afghan military history and speculated Taliban involvement. Norway handed its Afghan embassy to the Taliban in April 2025, accepting diplomat Najibullah Shir Khan, raising security concerns among Afghan refugees.
Police continue to pursue all leads.
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