The military alliance says Sabar Lal Melma was in contact with senior al-Qaeda members in both Afghanistan and Pakistan. — Photo by AFP

KABUL: Nato forces say they have killed a former Guantanamo detainee who was a ''key affiliate of the al-Qaeda network'' in an overnight raid in eastern Afghanistan.

Nato says Sabar Lal Melma organised attacks in eastern Kunar province and helped fund insurgent operations.

The military alliance says he was in contact with senior al-Qaeda members in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Troops surrounded Melma's house in Jalalabad city on Friday night.

Nato spokesman Capt. Justin Brockhoff says Melma came out of the building holding an AK-47 assault rifle and was killed. Several other people were detained.

A guard at Melma's house named Mohammad Gul says Melma was released from Guantanamo about four years ago.

Opinion

Editorial

Military option
Updated 21 Nov, 2024

Military option

While restoring peace is essential, addressing Balochistan’s socioeconomic deprivation is equally important.
HIV/AIDS disaster
21 Nov, 2024

HIV/AIDS disaster

A TORTUROUS sense of déjà vu is attached to the latest health fiasco at Multan’s Nishtar Hospital. The largest...
Dubious pardon
21 Nov, 2024

Dubious pardon

IT is disturbing how a crime as grave as custodial death has culminated in an out-of-court ‘settlement’. The...
Islamabad protest
Updated 20 Nov, 2024

Islamabad protest

As Nov 24 draws nearer, both the PTI and the Islamabad administration must remain wary and keep within the limits of reason and the law.
PIA uncertainty
20 Nov, 2024

PIA uncertainty

THE failed attempt to privatise the national flag carrier late last month has led to a fierce debate around the...
T20 disappointment
20 Nov, 2024

T20 disappointment

AFTER experiencing the historic high of the One-day International series triumph against Australia, Pakistan came...