The Ministry of Interior Affairs said Friday that Khost's police chief Sayed Ahmad Babazai was killed in a roadside mine explosion on late Thursday night.

According to the ministry, the blast occurred around 11pm.

Babazai was on his way to a clearing operation in Zinikhil area of Nadir Shah Kot district.

Two of his bodyguard’s were also killed in the blast, the ministry said.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for the blast.