Taliban commander killed in Kunar night raid

KABUL commander has been killed along with two associates in a security operation in the Manogi district of eastern Kunar province, an official said on Tuesday.

Abdul Ghani Mosamam, the governor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News that security forces conducted the operation in Lichlam area late on Monday night.

He said the notorious commander, Najmuddin, was killed along with two associates. Another rebel was captured alive. However, the insurgents have not yet commented on the raid.

A source, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said Najmuddin had been a commander of Hizb-i-Islami Afghanistan. Later on, he was appointed as police chief for Kunar.

According to the source, Najmuddin joined the Taliban after he was sacked from his position. Subsequently, he started anti-government activities.

A resident of the area, who did not want to be named, told Pajhwok Najmuddin had recently joined the Islamic State, also known as Daesh.

sa/mud