Afghan official says Taliban killed intel officer in Helmand

Taliban ambushed and killed an Afghan intelligence official in sourn Helmand province as he was walking home from work, an official said Thursday. It was latest dely attack by insurgents even as y hold peace talks with a U.S. envoy.

officer, who heed intelligence department's press office for province, was ambushed late on Wednesday, according to Helmand police chief’s spokesman Zaman Hamdard. Ar member of intelligence department was wounded in attack, spokesman said. An investigation was underway to find perpetrators, Hamdard ded. Taliban spokesman Yousuf Ahmi claimed responsibility for attack.

Taliban w control or hold sway over roughly half of Afghanistan and continue to st near-daily attacks targeting Afghan and U.S. forces, Kabul government officials or those seen as linked to government — even as y hold peace talks with U.S. and have given U.S. envoy a document outlining ir offer for a temporary cease-fire in Afghanistan.