Afghanistan: The Taliban had previously threatened that in reprisal for intensified air strikes, they would target senior administration officials.
The Taliban assassinated the head of the Afghan government's media information centre near a mosque in Kabul on Friday, just days after warning that they would target senior officials in punishment for increased air attacks.
Another violent day of warfare in Afghanistan has spilled into Kabul for the first time in months, with the assassination of one of the government's main speakers.
It also happens to be only hours before the United Nations Security Council meets in New York to address the situation.
"Unfortunately, the barbaric terrorists have once again performed a cowardly deed, martyring a patriotic Afghan," said interior ministry spokesman Mirwais Stanikzai of Dawa Khan Menapal's murder.
Menapal was well-known in Kabul's close-knit media community for mocking the Taliban on social media, even jokingly at times.
Sediq Sediqqi, a former presidential spokesman, described himself as "utterly surprised and grieved."
"Another magnificent soul has passed away," he added.
The Taliban claimed credit for the death, claiming that "he was assassinated in a specific attack carried out by mujahideen," according to spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.
The assassination comes after militants threatened additional attacks on Afghan government officials on Wednesday, a day after defence minister Bismillah Mohammadi narrowly avoided an assassination attempt in a bomb-and-gun attack.
The Afghan and US armies have increased air raids against terrorists in a number of towns, and the Taliban have claimed responsibility for Tuesday's Kabul raid.
Since May, when foreign forces began the final stage of Afghanistan's long-running conflict, fighting has intensified.