An Afghan policeman inspects wreckage of a car hit by a bomb attack. (File photo)
The deputy intelligence chief of Afghanistanâ„¢s Nuristan province has been killed when an explosive device went off in his residence, Press TV reports.
Provincial governor’s spokesman, Mohammad Zahir Bahand, said the attack took place at around noon on Saturday in the Waygal district as Mohammad Faiz was leaving home to go to his workplace.
Faiz was rushed to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his grave injuries after an hour and was pronounced dead.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said members of his militant group carried out the blast.
Nuristan is among the most volatile provinces in eastern Afghanistan, where militants are openly operating in its various districts.
The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan as part of Washingtonâ„¢s so-called war on terror. The offensive removed the Taliban from power, but the country is still gripped by insecurity.
In late April, the Taliban announced the start of their annual “spring offensive” against US-led and Afghan forces, vowing a new wave of attacks across Afghanistan.
The militant group said it would use “every possible tactic” to inflict casualties on Afghan and US-led forces. They specifically mentioned insider attacks, and bomb attacks.
The announcement prompted the Afghan authorities to beef up security in major cities across the country, including the capital city of Kabul.
According to a recent independent report, Taliban attacks are already up nearly 50 percent compared to this time last year. The United Nations says civilian casualties are 30 percent higher than this time last year.
AZA/MP/SS
This article originally appeared on : Press TV