Half-Brother of Afghan President Karzai Assassinated (Updated)
Half-Brother of Afghan President Karzai Assassinated, Voice of America.
The half brother of Afghan President Hamid Karzai has assassinated at his home in southern Kandahar province. President Karzai told reporters in Kabul the murder of his younger brother, Ahmad Wali Karzai, represents the suffering of all Afghan people.
Afghan officials say Wali Karzai was killed on Tuesday, likely by one of his bodyguards. The Taliban has claimed responsibility for his murder.
The top U.S. commander in Afghanistan, David Petraeus, condemned the assassination and said that NATO forces will support the Afghan government’s efforts to bring justice to those responsible.
Wali Karzai served as the head of the provincial council and was one of the most powerful leaders in southern Afghanistan. The provincial council chief was often the target of corruption allegations. In November, a U.S. diplomatic cable released by WikiLeaks suggested that Wali Karzai was “widely understood to be corrupt and a narcotics trafficker.” The president’s half-brother repeatedly denied the charges.
Wali Karzai survived at least two previous attempts on his life in recent years. In May 2009 insurgents attacked his motorcade, killing one of his bodyguards. He also escaped an earlier attack on his provincial council facilities in Kandahar.
More:
Half Brother of Afghan President Is Killed in Kandahar – NYT
Ahmed Wali Karzai, Brother of President, Killed by Trusted Guard – WP
Afghan President’s Brother, Ahmad Wali Karzai, Killed – BBC
Brother of Afghan President Karzai Killed by Bodyguard – G&M
Karzai’s Brother Slain by Guard – SMH
Afghan President’s Half Brother Killed in South – AP
Afghan Assassination – Time
‘Dangerous Power Vacuum in South’ – AP
‘Huge Propaganda Boost for Taliban’ – DT
Who Killed Ahmed Wali Karzai? – FP
A Gangster’s Death in Kandahar – DR
Why Ahmed Wali Karzai Was a Target – DB
Assassination of Ahmed Wali Karzai: Careful What You Wish For – Time
Killing of Ahmed Karzai a Setback for US. Mission – WP
Ahmed Wali Karzai: Reactions and Analysis – WP
Factbox: Reaction to Death of Afghan President’s Brother – Reuters
