Unidentified militants shot and killed nine Afghan employees of a Czech-backed aid group, People in Need, in an attack early today in Afghanistan's northern Balkh province, government officials said.
Aid workers have faced increasing attacks in Afghanistan as foreign troops have withdrawn and security has deteriorated, making the country one of the most dangerous for aid groups.
Government officials blamed the Taliban for the attack, about 50 miles (80 km) south of the provincial capital.
"They shot dead nine people, including a woman," said Mohammad Daud Naemi, a spokesman for the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development.
Five employees, two drivers and two guards were killed in the attack that started shortly after 1 a.m., he added.
The office of the provincial governor also blamed the Taliban and said it was investigating the incident.
The Taliban said it was looking into the details of the attack and could not immediately comment.
As many as 57 aid workers were killed last year, the United Nations says. Most have been Afghan staff members, who work in the field and face a greater risk of kidnappings and killing.
In April, 19 Afghan de-miners were freed two days after being abducted by militants while doing a survey in the eastern region.
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