Suspected Taleban militants have ambushed and killed an influential pro-government figure in Afghanistan.

The former governor of Ghazni province, Mullah Taj Mohammad, also known as Qari Baba, was shot dead near his home in Batta, in the Andar district.

Three others in a car with him were also killed.

The former governor was a militia chief who fought against the Soviet occupation in the 1980s, and later opposed the Taleban government.

In a separate incident, the current governor of Ghazni, Hajir Sherlama, survived assassination attempt.

Haji Sher Alam told the BBC the Taleban attacked his convoy but they returned fire killing two of the assailants and capturing one man.

Correspondents say suspected Taleban militants appear to be targeting prominent pro-government officials, as they step up their attacks in southern and eastern Afghanistan.

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