A tribal court ordered to execute a couple accused of having illegitimate relations in northern Afghanistan, local government officials said.

A spokesman for the provincial security commandment, Ahmad Javid Basharat confirming the report said, the tribal court accused the couple for having illegitimate relations and were convicted with having love affair outside marriage.

Mr. Basharat further added that the incident took place Friday in Dand-e-Ghori district and the couple was apparently shot dead by gunmen following the tribal court hearing.

He said Afghan security forces have launched an investigation in this regard, and no suspect has been arrested so far.

In a similar incident, a couple was beheaded for daring to have a love affair outside marriage and bringing shame on their families in southern Helmand province of Afghanistan.

The incident took place late in October, and the couple, who were in their 20s, were apparently killed by family members who were ashamed they had been living together outside marriage.