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Gunmen Kill Anti-Taleban Muslim Cleric in Afghanistan

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Afghan man looks at the waistcoat, stained with blood, of Mullah Abdul Fayaz
Suspected Taleban militants have killed a leading Muslim cleric in southern Afghanistan.

Local authorities say Mullah Abdul Fayaz was shot and killed in front of his office in Kandahar city Sunday by two gunmen on a motorcycle.

So far, no one has claimed responsibility for the attack. But the French news agency quoted a spokesman for the ousted Taleban as saying Mullah Fayaz was preaching against the Taleban and "deserved to die".

Mr. Fayaz was a supporter of Afghan President Hamid Karzai. Last week, he lead a gathering of clerics from across Afghanistan who condemned the Taleban and called on people to support the government.

The Taleban have declared a holy war against Mr. Karzai's U.S.-backed government and anyone supporting the presence of foreign troops and aid workers.

Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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