GARDEZ, Afghanistan, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Gunmen shot and killed a deputy provincial council in Gardez city, capital of eastern Paktia province on Saturday morning, the latest in a string of targeted attacks in the country, provincial governor confirmed.
"Deputy to Paktia Provincial Council Ayoub Gharwal was martyred following after gunmen fired on his car near council office in Bland Manzel Ha locality in Gardez this morning," Governor Halim Fidahi told Xinhua.
The attackers fled the scene, and an investigation has been launched into the case by the Paktia police, the governor added.
No group has claimed responsibility for the shooting so far.
The Taliban militant group, however, has conducted scores of targeted attacks against civilians and military officials in recent years. The armed outfit considers anyone working for government and NATO and U.S.-led troops as target.
At least 35 people lost their lives in targeted attacks in Afghanistan last month.