KABUL, Afghanistan (Sept. 18) - Haji Mohammad, a key insurgent leader in the Kunar Province and Taliban shadow governor of the Shigal District, was killed in a precision airstrike conducted by coalition forces today.

Mohammad was attempting to attack a polling site when he was killed.

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Mohammad orchestrated attacks on Afghans who opposed his tactics, conducted illegal checkpoints intended to intimidate local Afghans, and kidnapped wealthy individuals in order to finance his activities.

He was responsible for the attack on the Shigal District Center and also suspected of ties with the suicide bombing incident on June 21 in Shigal District that injured eight Afghan children.

Mohammad was also responsible for coordinating and participating in attacks on Afghan National Security and coalition forces in the province, including the June 7 improvised explosive device attack that killed five U.S. soldiers.

"Mohammad's death has degraded the insurgents' capability to inflict violence and terror, providing greater safety and security for the people who live and work in the region," said Maj. Mary Constantino, Task Force Bastogne spokesperson.