In recent years, as the Taliban took over Baraki Barak, Mr. Schwittek hasn't been able to visit the area.

WSJ: Emboldened Taliban Try to Sell Softer Image

One policeman was wounded in the Baraki Barak attack, Darwesh said.

NPR: Insurgents Launch 4 Attacks In Afghanistan

The elementary schools, in the cleric's home district of Baraki Barak that is now under near-total Taliban control, are funded by a small German aid group named Ofarin that has worked on education in Afghanistan since before 2001.

WSJ: Emboldened Taliban Try to Sell Softer Image