Suspects in killing of Malalai, Daee arrested: Govt

The government has announced arresting suspects in the killing of two journalists — Malalai Maiwand and Ilyas Daee.

Radio Azadi reporter Ilyas Daee was killed last month in southern Helmand province when a magnetic bomb attached to his vehicle exploded.

While Malalai and her driver were killed yesterday in Jalalabad, the capital of eastern Nangarhar province when unknown gunmen opened fire at their vehicle.

Nangarhar governor Ziaul Haq Amarkhel yesterday told Pajhwok Afghan News that the intelligence operatives had arrested the killers of Malalai. He said the detainees were being interrogated and they had confessed to their crime.

The Islamic State or Daesh group has claimed responsibility for the murder of Malalai, a radio and TV presenter.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Interior yesterday announced that the alleged killer of Radio Azadi journalist Ilyas Daee had been arrested.

MoI spokesman Tariq Aryun said the detainee was a Taliban fighter who was involved in the killing of Daee. He said efforts were underway to arrest companions of the detainee.