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1st Ld Writethru: Drone attack kills Taliban key commander in E. Afghan province: Official

Xinhua, February 20, 2017 Adjust font size:

A Taliban key commander has been confirmed dead after a drone attacked a Taliban hideout in eastern Ghazni province on Sunday, an army spokesman in the province Liaqat Ali Amini said Monday.

"Acting upon intelligence report a drone attack conducted against rebels hideout in Nawa district Sunday afternoon and after investigation it was confirmed that Taliban notorious commander Qari Salim alias Sabawon, also known as Sabawon, has been killed and two of his bodyguards sustained injuries," Amini told Xinhua.

The infamous Qari Salim, according to the official, was commanding several dozen militants, besides organizing suicide attacks in Ghazni province.

His death could be a major blow to the Taliban fighters in the province and adjoining areas.

Taliban militants, who are in control of Nawa district over the past few years, are yet to make comment. Enditem