Five female security staff killed by gunman at Kandahar airport

KANDAHAR , Afghanistan, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- Five female security officers and their driver were killed by gunmen at an airport in Afghanistan on Saturday, days after they had receive death threats for their decision to work.

The officers were on their way to Kandahar airport where they performed security duties, including searching female passengers, for a private security company, Khaama Press reported.

Two gunmen on motorcycles drove by the minivan and opened fire on the vehicle, killing the officers and their driver, according to the BBC.

Samim Khpalwak, the provincial governor's spokesman, confirmed the incident, including the death of the minivan driver.

Airport Director Ahmadullah Faizi said the officers had received death threats from people who disapproved of their decision to work in airport security and added they had expressed concern for their safety. In largely conservative Afghanistan, some consider it shameful for women to work, particularly in security or government work.

An investigation into the incident is under way, but no arrests have been made and no groups have claimed responsibility for the attack.