7 civilians dead as Taliban-fired rocket hits car

JALALABAD (Pajhwok): Seven civilians were killed on Monday morning when a Taliban-fired rocket struck a vehicle in the Batikot district of eastern Nangarhar province, an official said.

Attaullah Khogyani, the governor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News the car carrying civilians was hit by the rocket in the Nabikhel area of the district at 8:30pm.

Three children, two women and as many men were killed and two others wounded, the official said, adding the injured were in critical condition.

Khogyani said the victims were on their way home when they came under attack. A militant checking the car was also killed.

A resident of the area, who did not want to be named, confirmed the victims were civilians. The Taliban have not yet made any comments in this regard.

sa/mud