Former Afghan Militia Commander Killed In Explosion

Kandahar has been the scene of violent insurgency since the Taliban were swept from power in late 2001, including an explosion at this mosque in June 10 October 2005 -- A prominent former militia commander and three other people were killed today in a suspected bomb explosion in Afghanistan's southern city of Kandahar.

Former commander Shah Agha had been a member of the U.S.-backed United Front (aka Northern Alliance), which helped U.S.-led forces sweep the Taliban from power in late 2001. He was also known to be loyal to the government of President Hamid Karzai.

The blast was believed to have been caused by a bomb placed outside a building owned by Agha. Three people were also wounded in the explosion.

Kandahar is the former power base of the Taliban regime.

In the past half year, there has been a surge in attacks against people allied to Karzai and against international forces. Authorities have blamed the attacks on the neo-Taliban.

(AFP/AP)