Habib Ullah Shahab, a nephew of Hizb-e-Islami Afghanistan (HIA) chief Engineer Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, was among four killed in a clash with the US-led allied forces in Narakh district of Afghan province Maidan Wardag.
A spokesman of Governor Halim Fidayee Friday said Shahab, a student of 8th class, had joined the militants, engaged in terrorist acts and guerrilla warfare, after studying in Pakistan. The spokesman said the action was launched when militants were making an attempt to target the government installations and the allied troops with mortars.
HIA Spokesman Engineer Zarghun has also confirmed the killing of his chief’s nephew. The Hekmatyar group is fighting against the NATO troops but reportedly it leaders are not linked with Afghan Taliban and al Qaeda. Beside Maidan Wardag, the HIA also has strong position in Ghazni in central Afghanistan and eastern provinces of Kunar and Nooristan.
It is interesting to note that Governor Fidayee also remained in association with Hekmatyar during the war against former Soviet Union. He is one those leading HIA members who are in good terms with President Hamid Karzai.
Beside a few important ministers and governors, around 31 newly-elected parliamentarians were also associated to HIA for a long time.