At least four people have been killed in a bomb attack in northern Afghanistan that had been largely peaceful until now.
Senatullah Tumor, the spokesman for northern Takhar province's Governor, said that Hamidullah Haqjo Ashkamesh, the chief of the Ishkashim district, was killed in the attack along with his two bodyguards and a police official, reported the Dawn.
The Taliban has claimed responsibility for the attack that was carried out as part of its annual 'spring offensive', which began in April 2015.
The militant group had vowed nationwide attacks in what was expected to be the bloodiest fighting season in a decade after the withdrawal of Nato forces from the frontline.
