2 dead as supporters of ex-jihadi leaders clash

QALA-I-NAW (PAN commanders clashed in the northwestern province of Badghis, an official said on Sunday.

The gunbattle broke out between supporters of Akbar Bai and Haji Safar Bai — the two rival jihadi leaders — on Saturday night in the Mori Chaq area near the Turkmenistan border.

Police chief, Col. Mohammad Jabbar, told Pajhwok Afghan News the clash was a result of rivalry over the illicit drug commerce. The two men killed were Safar Bai’s supporters and the injured worked for Akbar Bai.

Security forces were sent to the area to prevent further fighting and ask the commanders to surrender, the police chief said.

mrh/ma/mud