Afghan actor killed in NATO air strike

Moscow: Prominent Afghan actor Nazar Mohammad Majnonyar Helmandi who starred in more than a dozen films has been killed in a NATO air strike in Afghanistan.

Helmandi was killed along with three militants who had seized the movie star on suspicion of spying for the government in Helmand province, his brother Dilawar told Pajhwok Afghan News. Helmandi had gone to Khoskabi on the outskirts of Lashkargah to inquire after his ailing sister when he was captured by the armed rebels, he said. The militants were interrogating Helmandi when the NATO air strike took place, killing the actor and the rebels. Dilawar identified his brother`s body which was mutilated beyond recognition. Police confirmed the air strike, saying a rebel commander, Mohammad Alam, was among those killed. Helmandi`s movies highlighted the struggle against drug trafficking and terrorism in the country. IANS