Nazir Mohammad Niazi, one of the most influential and powerful Jihadi commanders of Afghanistan in the North-east died in an explosion in Badakhshan province.

According to reports, an explosion took place in Chaman-e Mukhaberat of Faizbad, the provincial capital of Badakshan at around 6:10 pm local time this evening.

The explosion, triggered by an Improvised Explosive Device, killed Niazia on the spot.

No individual or group has so far claimed responsibility for the explosion which claimed the life of Mr. Niazi.

According to reports, Niazi was one of the most influential Jihadi commanders in North-eastern Badakhshan province.

He was reportedly leading a militia force of 3 to 4 thousand men and was in command of the Public Uprising Forces in Badakhshan province.

Niazi was also considered as one of the major drug lords who was also involved in illegal mining besides having links with the drug Mafias in the region.