HIA member among 8 killed in Khost gun attack

KHOST CITY (Pajhwok): At least eight individuals, including a member of the Hezb-i-Islami (HIA), have been killed as a result of a gun attack in southeastern Khost province.

Local officials said on Saturday unknown armed men opened fire at two vehicles of HIA member Abdul Wali Ikhlas in Alisher district at around 10pm on Friday night.

Police chief Adel Haidar confirmed the incident to Pajhwok Afghan News, saying eight people including Abdul Wali were killed and a ninth wounded in the attack.

Adel added the victims included two security guards while the rest were friends of Ikhlas. It is yet to be ascertained how carried out the attack but police have launched an investigation.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the overnight assault.

sa/mud