Kabul: Authorities say a local Afghan official has been killed on his way to a mosque in the southern province of Helmand. He is the latest government figure to be killed as the Taliban seeks to undermine security.
The provincial governor's office said on Thursday that Haji Fazel Mohammad was gunned down on his way to evening prayers on Wednesday. The unknown gunmen escaped.
Mohammad served on the local council for Sangin district, a key transit hub targeted by frequent insurgent attacks since US and Afghan forces regained control two years ago.
The Taliban have pressing a sweeping assassination campaign that has killed hundreds of local political figures in recent years. The insurgents are seeking to weaken confidence and discourage people from joining the government.
Bureau Report
First Published: Thursday, January 05, 2012, 16:09