Taliban key commander killed in Afghanistan

A Taliban key commander Mullah Haqyar is among 21 insurgents who were killed in Qush Tepa district of the northern Jawzjan province on Sunday, deputy to provincial governor, Abdul Rahman Mahmoudi said.

"A group of Taliban rebels under notorious commander Mullah Haqyar launched coordinated offensive against a military base in Jarkodok area of Qush Tepa district early today morning, but the attack was repulsed and the rebels after leaving 21 bodies including notorious commander Mullah Haqyar behind fled away," Mahmoudi told Xinhua.

Describing Mullah Haqyar as key commander, the official said that the physical elimination of notorious commander could prove a major blow to the insurgents in Jawzjan and adjoining areas.

Taliban militants have not commented on the incident.