KABUL, Jan 21 (KUNA) -- The International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) said Wednesday its troops killed a key Taliban commander in an air strike in southern Afghanistan.
An ISAF statement said Haji Adam, who was Taliban commander in Helmand, was killed by ISAF troops in Maiwand district of Kandahar.
"Haji Adam was directly involved in the movement of fighters, improvised explosive device production and in planning and execution of attacks," said the statement.
He was also engaged in illegal narcotics trade in Sangin district of Helmand province, added the statement. He had strong links to senior Taliban leaders Akhter Mohammed Mansour, Mullah Naim Barich and Attiqullah.
The operation took place in an isolated area between Maiwand and Sangin districts.
"The death of Haji Adam, the latest in a series of prominent Taliban figures to be removed, signals another serious blow to the insurgency," said ISAF spokesperson Brigadier General Richard Blanchette. (end) gk.ema KUNA 211542 Jan 09NNNN