Pre-poll security operation lunched

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): A clearing operation was launched in insecure areas of the Chahar Dara district of northern Kunduz province on Sunday to ensure security for elections.

In separate incidents, a police officer and a civilian were killed, Maj.  Ghulam Hazrat Karimi, a military spokesman in the province, told Pajhwok Afghan News. Afghan army, police and intelligence personnel are conducting the offensive.

Security forces had seized an AK-47 assault rifle and a rocket-propelled grenade RPG during the operation so far, he said, adding the objective was to create the right environment for the polls.

Syed Sarwar Hussaini, the police spokesman, said a three-day operation was conducted in Kharotai, Zadran, Khatayan, Mang Tepa and Nawabad areas of the district.  A house-to-house search is also taking place. During a clash in Zadran area, two rebels were wounded.

Hussaini said police officer Maj. Khan Gul had been gunned down by militants on his way to the police headquarters in the provincial capital.   

Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesperson, confirmed an officer working at the Kunduz Airport had been shot dead by fighters.  

A civilian was killed in Qud district of Takhar province, security officials said. But the Taliban claimed killing Abdul Khaliq on charges of spying for the government.

ra/mud