Four people including a tribal leader and three civilians have been killed by Taliban militants in Afghanistan's eastern province of Khost, a local official said Friday.

"A group of militants rushed into a mosque in Sabario district the night before last, and opened fire at the people who were preying inside. Four were killed including a tribal leader and three civilians," Gen. Mohammad Ayub, chief provincial police told Xinhua.

He blamed Taliban militants for the incident, saying an investigation is underway.

Taliban militants, who have vowed to continue their Holy war until the withdrawal of all foreign troops from Afghanistan, have intensified their attacks and bomb explosions against Afghan and foreign troops, even innocent civilians especially after failing to derail the landmark September parliamentary elections.

Also in Khost, a remote-controlled bomb exploded in a mosque in Tani district, killing the mullah and injuring 15 others who were preying at the time.

A dozen militants rushed into a mosque and killed two civilians including a staff of a school on Thursday night in Afghanistan's eastern province of Paktia.

About 20 people including police officers, school staff, tribal leaders and civilians have been killed during the past one week in Taliban-led militancy.

Source: Xinhua