Taliban shadow governor for Helmand killed in airstrike

Mullah Manan, a senior leader of the Afghan Taliban and their shadow governor for the southern Helmand province, was killed in an airstrike late Sunday night, Afghan police officials said on Tuesday.

According to reports from the Afghan media, the airstrike took place in Marjeh district of Helmand late Sunday night.

Helmand police chief Aqa Noor Kentoz said Mannan was first injured in the aerial operation, but apparently died of his wound the next day. Kentoz said Marjeh, who he described as a "Taliban financier" was also killed and a number of other insurgents injured in the air strike.

The police official did not provide any further details about the operation.

Local officials said the strike was part of a military operation launched six days ago in the district to clear insurgents.

At least 30 Taliban militants have been reported killed in the ongoing operation while up to eight Afghan security force members are said to have been injured in the operation so far.