[ad_1]
Saturday's parliamentary election in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar has been postponed for a week following the badbadination of the powerful local police chief.
The National Security Council has approved the recommendation of the Afghan Election Commission on Friday, with a view to the problem of security and the protection of property.
The primary target in Thursday's attack was Abdul Raziq, the Kandahar police chief and the most influential man in the south. The Kandahar provincial spy chief, Abdul Momin, was also killed, and the governor, Zalmai Wesa, and a regional army commander, Nabi Elham, were fighting for their lives in hospital, officials said.
Raziq was a controversial figure, dogged by accusations of serious human rights abuses. Last year the UN called for him to be prosecuted over allegations of torture and enforced disappearances.
Yet it was also considered a bulwark against insurgents, was supported by US forces and was credited with security improvements in recent years. His death risks destabilizing southern Afghanistan at a time of huge political uncertainty.
The Taliban were quick to claim the attack but provided no proof. In the past they have taken credit for violence they did not coordinate.
Even if the Taliban did not plan the attack, it is likely to hugely benefit them. Raziq was 39, energetic and was virtually born into enmity with the Taliban owing to long-running family animosities.
In the eight years since Afghanistan, Taliban has resurfaced in the wake of Taliban bombings.
An even more radical Islamic State affiliate has launched a series of bombings targeting the country's Shia minority, killing hundreds. Both groups have attacked each other.
Reuters contributed to this report
Source link
