Intelligence official killed in Khost gun attack

KHOST CITY (PAN in southeastern Khost province late on Thursday, officials said.

Police Chief Abdul Qayum Baqizoy confirmed the rebels had attacked a township located between Mandozai and Ismaikhel districts west of Khost City, the provincial capital. He said police had reached the site and were investigating into the attack. He had no further details.

But a security official, who declined to be named, said Ismailkhel district intelligence chief Usman Jan was killed in the attack.

Resident Zahidullah said gunmen in a vehicle opened fire at the intelligence official with automatic weapons. After the attack, he said, security officials took Usman Jan to a car, but he had no idea whether Usman was dead or injured.

The Taliban have immediately claimed responsibility for the gun assault, with the group’s spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid saying Usman Jan was killed along with two other intelligence officials.

Elsewhere in the province, security officials shot and killed two motorcyclists who they accused of trying to attack a security post in the Sabari district on Thursday afternoon.

The district police, chief Col. Mohammad Roshan, said the slain individuals wanted to attack a newly-built army post in the area.

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