Four Taleban Killed After Attack on Afghan Governor

Text of report by Pakistan-based Afghan Islamic Press news agency

Kandahar, 18 March: At least four Taleban fighters have been killed in an attack on the governor of Ghazni Province.

Hajji Zalmay, who was travelling with Sher Alam, the governor of Ghazni Province, told Afghan Islamic Press a while ago: “The governor of Ghazni Province, Sher Alam, went to Nawa District today and the Taleban attacked his convoy in an area between Nawa and Gelan Districts when he was on his way back to Ghazni.”

He added: “The governor escaped the attack and at least four Taleban fighters were killed in the fighting which began after the attack.”

Haji Zalmay added: “We are now on our way to Ghazni and the four bodies are with us.”

Talking about the governor’s condition, he said: “The governor is safe and sound and no-one from our side was wounded in the attack.”

He also confirmed the death of the former governor of Ghazni Province, Taj Mohammad, known as Qari Baba, and said: “The Taleban killed him and his three bodyguards in front of his house today.”