An Afghan security force member checks a vehicle at a security checkpoint in Ghazni city, eastern Afghanistan, Oct. 25, 2020. Afghan security forces have reported attack on al-Qaida network operatives and killing its key leader in a Taliban-held area in the eastern Ghazni province. (Photo by Rohullah/Xinhua)
KABUL, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- Afghan security forces have reported attack on al-Qaida network operatives and killing its key leader in a Taliban-held area in the eastern Ghazni province.
The National Directorate of Security (NDS) or the country's counter intelligence agency in its tweet on Saturday said, "as a result of NDS special force unit operation in ghazni province an al-Qaida key member for Indian sub continent, Abu Muhsen Almisry were killed".
The tweet did not provide more details.
In the meantime, a source on the condition of anonymity said on Sunday that the operation was launched in the troubled Andar district of Ghazni province couple of days ago and as a result "Abu Muhsin al Masri (or Abu Muhsen Almisry) who is the second-in-command of the terror network" was killed and another arrested.
Without identifying the arrested man, the official added that the arrested man is a "lieutenant to al Masri who coordinated cooperation between al-Qaida and the Taliban group."
The Taliban outfit, which has been involved in peace talks with Afghan government negotiating team since Sept. 12 in Doha to find political solution to Afghanistan war and has denied its relations with al-Qaida, has yet to make comment on killing al-Qaida leader in Ghazni.
Afghan spy agency's claim on killing al-Qaida key leader came hours after a suicide attack at an education center in Kabul that killed 24 civilians and injured 57 others, mostly students.
The hardliner Islamic State group has reportedly claimed responsibility.
However, Afghan government has accused Taliban of organizing the deadly attack, but the armed group has rejected its involvement.
"The killing al-Qaida network's second-in-command in Taliban held area clearly demonstrates Taliban close relations with the foreign terrorists," political analyst and editor-in-chief of the state-run Anis newspaper told Xinhua on Sunday. Enditem
