Suspected Taleban insurgents have killed an Afghan intelligence officer in southeastern Zabul province and wounded a Muslim cleric in southern Helmand province.
Afghan officials say the intelligence officer was shot dead early Thursday in Zabul's Dai Chopan district. They say the attackers managed to flee the scene and that despite a massive manhunt no suspects have been arrested.
Meanwhile, in Helmand's Nurja district, a Muslim cleric was wounded by unidentified gunmen riding a motorcycle. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment.
A purported Taleban spokesman claimed responsibility for both incidents.
Taleban militants and their supporters have stepped up their violent campaign aimed at disrupting Afghanistan's parliamentary elections scheduled for September 18.
Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.
