Taliban Survivor Recounts Harrowing Bus Attack and Escape to Australia

A woman identified only as River has recounted the harrowing experience of surviving a Taliban attack in 2014, where gunmen massacred bus passengers who were traveling to school. The attack, which occurred in Afghanistan's Ghazni province, targeted the bus because women were among the passengers.

River, then 17 years old, was on her regular journey to Kabul for school when the bus was stopped by masked Taliban gunmen. She described the terrifying moments as the attackers opened fire, killing passengers around her. In an effort to survive, she smeared menstrual blood on her face and lay down among the deceased, believing the gunmen would not touch a body they perceived as "unclean" and already dead.

"The only thought I had was, 'I don't want to die — how do I save my life?'", she told the Daily Mail. "So I made a very quick decision — I used some of my own blood, put it on my face, and lay back in my seat, pretending to be dead. I controlled my breathing and didn't move."

Twelve people died on the bus that day, and River was one of three survivors. Military personnel eventually found her hiding among the bodies.

Following the attack, River and her family relocated to Kabul, hoping for greater safety. She pursued a career in journalism, focusing on women's rights, but her work led to threats and warnings. The escalating danger prompted the family to flee Afghanistan, first to India as refugees and later settling in Australia.

Life in Australia presented its own challenges. Six months after their arrival, River's 20-year-old brother died by suicide, a loss that deeply affected her. During this difficult period, she struggled with depression and turned to alcohol for solace.

Despite the trauma, River eventually channeled her experiences into a passion for climbing. As a child, she had enjoyed climbing mountains in Afghanistan, a dream she later revisited. Earlier this year, she became the first Afghan woman to climb Mount Everest. She described reaching the summit as a profound personal achievement, symbolizing strength and limitless potential.

Even during her Everest expedition, River found herself confronting past traumas. The masked faces of fellow climbers at night reminded her of the Taliban gunmen, causing her to become frightened. She used the experience on the mountain to process the fear she had carried since the 2014 attack, ultimately finding a measure of peace. River's journey highlights resilience in the face of extreme violence and personal loss.