KANDAHAR, May 28: Afghan government troops attacked a suspected Taliban hideout in a remote village of southern Zabul province and killed a local commander and another fighter from the ousted militia in an hour-long shootout, the province’s governor said.

The clash occurred on Tuesday in Maradhow village, about 140 kilometers northeast of Kandahar, said Govenor Hamidullah Khan Tokhi. One government soldier was also wounded in the gunfight.

One of the dead Taliban was identified as Ghausuddin, was a local commander during the militia’s rule.

Tokhi said Ghausudddin was wanted for involvement in several acts of terrorism in Zabul but did not give details.

An unspecified number of AK-47 rifles, hand grenades and a radio set were found in the compound where the two Taliban fighters were holding out, Tokhi said.

The operation was carried out after authorities were tipped about the presence of Taliban fighters in a home in Maradhow village, the governor said.—APP