Afghan intelligence chief to return to Afghanistan 'soon'

Kabul, Jan 25 : Afghanistan's intelligence chief Asadullah Khalid, who is undergoing treatment at a hospital in the US, said his health is improving and he will soon return to Afghanistan.

In a video message broadcast by the Afghan presidential palace office, Khalid said he was recovering from the injuries he received in a suicide bomb attack against him last month.

"I am fine and I am getting better day by day. I am feeling very well and I will return back my county very soon," he said.

On the video, he is seen showing his hands, saying that he is able to move them and the doctors have taken out the rods from of them.

Khalid survived the suicide attack at a National Directorate of Security (NDS) guesthouse in Kabul on December 6, sustaining serious injuries to the lower parts of his body. He was taken to the US for treatment on December 15.

The bomber, who met with Khalid on the pretext of peace talks, carried the bomb in his underwear.

President Hamid Karzai visited Khalid in hospital last week during his three-day official trip to the US.

Karzai appointed Khalid the head of the NDS in September 2012.

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SA/EN