Afghan local leader killed in shooting

An Afghan local leader was killed in a drive-by shooting in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province, said a provincial source on Wednesday. "The leader named Abdul Satar was killed following a shooting incident in Kabali Wat area of provincial capital Lashkar Gah Tuesday evening. The attackers riding a motorbike fled the scene shortly after the incident," the provincial government spokesman Omar Zwak told Xinhua. An investigation was launched into the incident, Zwak said. No group has claimed responsibility yet for the attack Helmand is notorious for growing poppy and is a known Taliban hotbed. The Taliban has intensified attacks since they launched an offensive in late April.The armed outfit has said anyone working for government and the NATO-led troops are legitimate target. More than 300 civilians were killed and 130 others wounded in targeted killings across the county from January to June this year, according to official sources. The civilians considered to be supporting government, civilian government employees, religious leaders, tribal elders and persons involved in peace and reconciliation efforts came under attack in targeted killings.