KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, Jan. 17 (UPI) -- A tribal elder and a senior Taliban official were killed in separate incidents of violence in Afghanistan, officials said.
Haji Mohammad Naeem, a tribal leader in southern Kandahar, province was assassinated by a gunman while praying in a mosque Tuesday, Khaama Press reported. Suspects fled the area and Afghan troops have launched a search operation to arrest them, the report said.
In eastern Ghazni province, Taliban leader Mawlawi Ahmad was killed along with two companions during a special forces operation Monday.
Security Chief Syed Amir Shah Sadat, told Khaama Press Ahmad's death will improve the security situation in the province, which has seen an increase in militant insurgent activity.
Two militants were killed Monday while attempting to plant roadside bombs in eastern Khost province. Gen. Sat Gul Hotak, spokesman for 203 Thunder Afghan National Army Brigade, said the two men were killed by a NATO air raid.
