US general survives attack by Afghan bodyguard

command of US and Nato forces in Afghanistan a month ago, had left the meeting moments earlier. He was unhurt, though two Americans are believed to have been injured.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the attack, which will raise concerns for the Afghan government before parliamentary elections today, which are being held after years of delay.

The incident underscores the deteriorating security situation in the country, despite America’s efforts to restart peace talks with the insurgents.

Raziq had gained a fearsome reputation for leading an often brutal counterinsurgency against the militants. When neighbouring Helmand province slipped back into Islamist hands after Nato forces ended their combat operations in late 2014, it was widely assumed that Kandahar, capital of the Taliban government that ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, would be next.

Though his methods were criticised by human rights groups, Raziq was respected as a military leader by US commanders. To the residents of Kandahar, the police chief was a hero because he had helped to keep the insurgents at bay.

He survived an attack last year in which five diplomats from the United Arab Emirates were killed.

The Taliban were jubilant at finally getting their man last night. ‘‘Our commander was disguised in the military uniform and carried out the operation. We have targeted Raziq 14 times in the past but he remained unharmed,’’ Zabiullah Mujahid, the spokesman for the group, said.

‘‘The brutal police chief has been killed.’’

The killer was named last night as Abu Dujana. Insider attacks have been a regular occurrence throughout the 17-year conflict.

One witness told that there had been more than one attacker. ‘‘There were two groups in uniform fighting each other and exchanging fire. There were several men fighting alongside the killer,’’ Fakhar Uddin, a local resident, said.

The Afghan security forces are now preparing for one of their most daunting operations in years: trying to safeguard the elections. The Taliban have vowed to target polling stations.

At least 10 candidates and dozens of civilians have already died during the election campaign. – The Times

‘‘We have targeted Raziq 14 times in the past but he remained unharmed. The brutal police chief has been killed.’’ Zabiullah Mujahid, Taliban spokesman

AP Kandahar Governor Zalmay Wesa, left, stands with the head of Nato troops in Afghanistan, General Scott Miller, centre, and a translator, during a meeting, in Kandahar, Afghanistan, shortly before the governor and two others were killed.