District mayor shot dead by militants

GARDEZ (PAN): The Samkani district mayor was shot dead and two of his security guards were wounded in a militant attack in southeastern Paktia province, officials said on Monday.

Taliban ambushed Mayor Mohammad Wazir in the Zawa area of Zurmat district, while he was returning home from his office on Sunday afternoon, the governor’s spokesman, Rohullah Samoon, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

The guards were taken to Gardez Civil Hospital, according to the official, who would not comment on their health condition. The mayor had been working in the district over the past four years, Samoon added.

Authorities have launched a probe into the killing but no one has been detained in connection with the murder so far, he added.

However, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed the movement’s fighters had killed Samkani the district mayor and five policemen.

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