Attacks kill Afghan deputy governor, judge

Attacks in Afghanistan have killed a deputy provincial governor, fatally shot while taking a university class, and a judge on his way home from a mosque, officials said today.
In southern Kandahar province, a gunman attacked 32-year-old deputy governor Abdul Qadeem Patyall, shooting at him through the window of a classroom at Kandahar University late yesterday, said Samim Khpolwak, spokesman for the provincial governor.
Patyall, who was studying to become a teacher, was seriously wounded and died later in hospital, said Khpolwak.
President Ashraf Ghani sent condolences to Patyall's family and described his killing as a terrorist attack, the presidential palace said. A government delegation was investigating the incident.

Also late yesterday, a judge was shot and killed by gunmen in Feroz Koh, the capital of Ghor province, said Abdul Hai Khateby, spokesman for the provincial governor.
Judge Abdul Majid was on his way home from a mosque when he was attacked, Khateby said. He died later in hospital of his injuries, Khateby added.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for either of the slayings. Taliban insurgents have stepped up attacks on government officials in recent months.