Local leader shot dead in Afghanistan: official

A local leader had been killed in a drive-by shooting in Afghanistan's southern province of Uruzgan, a local official said on Wednesday.

"Two armed men riding a motorcycle opened fire on Sayyed Nazar in Saffaid Khar locality in provincial capital Tirin Kot city, killing him on the spot. The incident took place late on Tuesday and an investigation was launched into the incident," spokesman of provincial government, Doust Mohammad Nayab, told Xinhua.

He blamed the enemies of Afghanistan a term referring to Taliban militant group for the attack.

The Taliban militants have intensified attacks in different places of the country since early April when they launched a yearly rebel offensive.

The civilians considered to be supporting government, civilian government employees, religious leaders, tribal elders and persons involved in peace and reconciliation efforts came under attack in targeted killings.

More than 3,540 civilians were killed and over 7,450 injured in Taliban-led attacks and violence last year, according to a report by the UN mission in the country released in February. Endit