News - Afghanistan

Nato forces raided the house of the chief of the local counter narcotics department in eastern Paktia province on Saturday, a provincial spokesman said.

The operation, conducted yesterday morning, resulted in the arrest of Dr Hafizullah, director of Paktia's counter narcotics department. One woman was killed and two other women were wounded in the raid, according to provincial spokesman Rohullah Samon.

All the victims are relatives, he added.

Residents of Paktia said a Nato soldier was also killed during the operation.

Nato confirmed the incident and said in a statement that the house was raided by Nato-led forces in Gardez, the provincial capital of Paktia.

"Hafizullah, along with his two sons, have been arrested by the combined forces," the Nato statement said.

A female member of the family was killed, while three other family members were wounded in the raid, the statement added.

Nato did not provide more details about why Mr Hafizullah was arrested.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has condemned house raids, especially those conducted at night.