Taliban military official killed in air raid

KABUL military official in charge of northern Kunduz province was killed, along with his four fighters, during a joint operation by Afghan and international soldiers, local officials said on Sunday.

Security forces targeted a residence in the Lala Maidan area on the outskirts of Aliabad district on Saturday, Syed Sarwar Hussaini, the provincial police spokesman told Pajhwok Afghan News.

He said during the operation Mullah Jalat, the Taliban military official for Kunduz, was among the four fighters killed in the overnight attack.

The soldiers were trying to capture Jalat alive but he and his fighters were killed during the exchanges of gun fire, said Hussaini, adding no security personnel were hurt.

Abdul Salam, who lives in the area neighbouring the victim’s house, said they heard helicopters hovering over the area and gun shots for about 30 minutes.

 Abdul Salam a farmer said they knew the victim Jalat was a Taliban commander, but have no further details about him.

Meanwhile, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) media office in Kabul confirmed the operation, however they did not point out who the exact victims were.

ISAF acknowledged the victims were responsible for carrying out attacks and roadside bombings against the Afghan and foreign troops across the province.

Mrh/vp

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