Several Afghan Officials Killed in Shooting; American General Escapes Unharmed

General Abdul Razak, one of the most powerful intelligence figures in Afghanistan and the police chief of Kandahar, was killed on Thursday, October 18, during a shooting by one of his guards. General Scott Miller, the senior American commander in Afghanistan, who had just met with Abdul Razak, was unharmed in the attack, but Zalmai Wesa, the governor of Kandahar, and General Abdul Momin, the head of security in the province, were killed. Afghan officials stated that one of Abdul Razak's guards opened fire as he was leaving a meeting with Miller and other local officials. Haji Agha Lali Dashtgiri, the deputy governor of Kandahar, confirmed that the attack was carried out by one of the guards. The meeting was related to coordinating the upcoming parliamentary elections in Kandahar province. Colonel Nat Peters, a spokesman for NATO forces in Afghanistan, reported that General Miller was unharmed, but two Americans were injured. The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that both Abdul Razak and Miller were the targets. Abdul Razak was known as a staunch opponent of the insurgents. According to Reuters, this attack is a significant blow to the Afghan government, which is set to hold parliamentary elections on Saturday. The Taliban has stated that it will disrupt the election process. In a statement, the Taliban said, 'The tyrant police chief of Kandahar along with several other officials were killed.' Abdul Razak had been criticized by human rights groups, but American military commanders regarded him as an effective leader who maintained control over Kandahar province. This Afghan commander had previously survived similar attacks and was unharmed in an attack last year that killed five Emirati diplomats.