Herat (Afghanistan): Afghan Aviation Minister Mirwais Sadiq died today (March 21, 2004) following an assassination attempt in the Western city of Herat, the Presidential palace has confirmed after earlier reports that he had survived.

"I can confirm that he has died," Presidential spokesman Khaleeq Ahmad said.

The Minister was badly injured in an attack in Herat, he said.

Ahmad added that Mirwais Sadiq's father, Heart provincial governor Ismail Khan, was safe and in Kabul and had not been the subject of a second assassination attempt, contrary to earlier reports.