By RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan

Afghan officials say unknown gunmen shot dead five female airport employees and their driver in the southern city of Kandahar in the morning on December 17.

Samim Khpolwak, the spokesman for the provincial governor, told RFE/RL that the women -- civilian employees at the airport -- were on their way to work when at least three gunmen on motorcycles opened fire on them.

“The attackers fled the area and we have launched an investigation," he said.

No one has claimed responsibly for the attack and no arrests have been made, Khpolwak added.

Kandahar International Airport Director Ahmadullah Faizi told AFP that the women were employees of a private company that provided luggage and body-search services for female passengers.

The women were concerned about their security after receiving death threats from people who disapproved of their careers, Faizi said.

The Taliban have claimed responsibility for similar attacks in the past.

With reporting by AFP