Tanker burnt, Taliban killed in Afghanistan

KABUL, Nov 17 (KUNA) -- Driver and conductor of an oil tanker, targeted by armed militants in central Afghanistan on Friday, have gone missing and are believed to be killed in the attack. Separately, Afghan officials claimed killing more than two dozens Taliban following a clash in southern Afghanistan on Thursday. Militants loyal to Hezbi Islami Party of former premier Gulduddin Hekmatyar claimed responsibility for the rocket attack on the fuel tanker. A militant commander Fazal Hadi said the vehicle, supplying fuel to foreign troops, was targeted in Kapisa province on Friday. The purported commander would not comment on the killing of the driver and conductor. However, a local official, requesting anonymity, told KUNA both the driver and conductor were killed in the attack. In the southern province of Uruzgan, police said 25 Taliban were killed in fighting with Afghan police and ISAF troops. Police chief of the province Juma Gul Himmat said the rebels were killed in Deh Rawod district following a firefight for several hours. The US-led coalition or ISAF troops so far did not issue any statement. Taliban also did not comment on the government claim. (end) gk.ajs KUNA 161541 Nov 07NNNN