A donkey was blown up when it was loaded with explosives and used in a “cowardly and shameful” ‘suicide mission’ in Afghanistan.
The animal (not pictured) was loaded with bombs and directed towards a security target. Two policemen in Kunar province were injured when the explosives were detonated before the donkey reached the target.
The Donkey Sanctuary has condemned the attack which took place on Monday (12 March).
“Donkeys are often called beasts of burden but the only beasts in this story are the cruel individuals who sent [this donkey] on such a cowardly and fateful mission,” said Simon Pope, rapid response and campaigns manager at the Donkey Sanctuary. “That they should use an innocent animal in this way is shameful.
“Used across the world to deliver heavy loads, this is not the first time the humble donkey has been exploited in this most barbaric way. The animals have been used to carry bombs in Afghanistan on at least two occasions in the past – in 2009 and 2014.
“In the 2009 attack, the poor creature was shot before it reached a security post after a guard noticed men running away from the donkey after sending it running towards the post.”
Continued below…
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
In 2014, Hamas militants used a donkey laden with explosives for a ‘suicide’ attack on an Israeli army position in the southern city of Rafah, near the Egyptian border. Troops were forced to open fire on the animal, blowing it up before it reached them.
“Animal-borne attacks tend to catch security forces unaware and the latest donkey attack in Afghanistan will give Afghan security forces another potential threat to look out for,” added a charity spokesman.
“The Donkey Sanctuary champions donkeys and their welfare, and aims for a world where donkeys live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued.”
For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.
