Gunmen Kill U.S. Civilian, Two Afghans

Officials in Afghanistan say an American civilian who reportedly worked on development projects in northern Afghanistan, and two Afghans, have been killed in an attack claimed by Taliban militants.

Afghan officials and the U.S. Embassy said the American and the two Afghans were driving in a minivan in the Ghorband valley in Parwan Province, north of Kabul, when they were attacked.

A senior official in Parwan Province said the American was an electrical engineer who was traveling to a survey project for the rural Development Ministry.

A purported Taliban spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, claimed the Taliban were responsible for the killings.

Ghorband valley, 100 kilometers north of Kabul, is a key passage to Afghanistan's central provinces.

Reports say it has seen increased militant activity in recent months.

Based on reporting by AFP and AP