The Hindu : Taliban commander killed in shootout

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, May 29, 2003

International

International

Taliban commander killed in shootout

KANDAHAR MAY 28. Afghan Government troops attacked a suspected Taliban hideout in a remote village of southern Zabul province and killed a local commander and another fighter from the ousted militia in an hour-long shootout, the province's Governor said.

The clash occurred in Maradhow village, about 140 km northeast of Kandahar, said Gov. Hamidullah Khan Tokhi. One government soldier was wounded in the gunfight.

One of the dead Taliban was identified as Ghausuddin, who like many Afghans went with a single name and was a local commander during the militia's rule.

The other Taliban fighter was not named.

Mr. Tokhi said Ghausudddin was wanted for involvement in several acts of terrorism in Zabul but did not give details.

An unspecified number of AK-47 rifles, hand grenades and a radio set were found in the compound where the two Taliban fighters were holding out, Mr. Tokhi said. The operation was carried out after authorities were tipped off about the presence of Taliban fighters in a home in Maradhow village, the Governor said.

Zabul province has been a hotbed of Taliban resistance mainly for several attacks that have been carried out in recent weeks targeting aid agencies, Government buildings and schools in the region, all blamed on the militia fighters. An Italian tourist was killed in April in Zabul by suspected Taliban fighters who have also clashed with Government troops. — AP

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