The Afghan Ministry of Interior announced on Friday that the Head of the government's media department was assassinated in Kabul, days after the "Taliban" announced it would target senior government officials in retaliation for increased airstrikes.

Interior Ministry Spokesperson Mirwais Stanikzai said, "Unfortunately, the savage terrorists have committed a cowardly act once again and martyred a patriotic Afghan," referring to the slain Dawa Khan Menapal.

The "Taliban" also announced it was in control of the city of Sheberghan, north of Afghanistan, securing the city's police headquarters, while Afghan authorities said the battle for the city was still ongoing.

The UN Security Council is set to convene a session today, on Friday, to discuss the country's deteriorating situation.

According to diplomatic sources, the session was scheduled upon the request of the governments of Afghanistan, Norway, and Estonia at 2:00 GMT.