BBC journalist shot dead in Afghanistan

A BBC reporter was killed in eastern Afghanistan on Monday, only hours after twin blasts in the capital Kabul left at least nine journalists dead.

Monday's attacks are now the deadliest day for journalists in the war-torn country since the Taliban's fall in 2001.

"It is with great sadness that the BBC can confirm the death of  BBC Afghan reporter Ahmad Shah following an attack earlier today. The attack took place in Khost province," BBC World Service director Jamie Angus said in a statement.

Angus said that Shah had worked for the BBC for two years and had "already established himself as a highly capable journalist". 

Shah was described as a "popular" member of the British broadcaster's team.

Najib Sharifi, director of the Afghan Journalists Safety Committee, said Shah was on his way home when the attack took place.

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Earlier in the day, twin blasts went off in Kabul that left at least nine journalists dead, including an AFP photojournalist and reporters from local Afghan media outlets Azadi, Tolo news, 1TV and MashalTV.

Journalists were reportedly targeted in the second attack as they arrived on the scene. 

"The bomber disguised himself as a journalist and detonated himself among the crowd," said police spokesman Kabul Hashmat Stanikzai. 

In addition to the nine journalists, at least 16 others were killed in Monday's blasts that struck Kabul. Forty-five were also wounded and some in critical condition.

Many Western and Afghan officials expect 2018 to be a particularly bloody year in the war-torn country, as officials prepare for years-long delayed elections scheduled for October. 

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