KABUL: The commander of the Taliban鈥檚 鈥渟pecial forces鈥� branch, known as the 鈥淩ed Unit,鈥� was killed last week in Helmand province by Afghan forces, according to Afghanistan鈥檚 main intelligence agency.
The National Directorate of Security (NDS) said Mullah Shah Wali, also known as Mullah Naser, was killed in an air operation in Helmand.
The province is a Taliban stronghold in the heartland of Afghanistan鈥檚 lucrative drug trade.
Wali became the commander of the Taliban鈥檚 鈥淩ed Unit鈥� as well as deputy shadow governor of Helmand province three years ago and was directly involved in Taliban offensives, the statement said.
The 鈥淩ed Unit鈥� is thought to be equipped with advanced weapons, including night vision scopes, 82mm rockets, heavy machine guns and US-made assault rifles, according to the Afghan military.
Wali was killed alongside a suicide bomber and two other Taliban commanders in Helmand鈥檚 Musa Qala district, according to the NDS.
The US has worked hard to build up Afghan air support and attack capabilities since they were found inadequate after most foreign forces withdrew three years ago.