Special Forces officer defects to Taliban

ASADABAD (PAN, taking 20 weapons and a military tank with him in eastern Kunar province, officials said on Sunday.

Governor Shujaul Mulk Jalala told Pajhwok Afghan News the Sarkano district-based officer fled in a tank with 20 weapons to the Sheigal district on the second day (Wednesday) of Eidul Adha.

He said the officer set alight the tank as the road he travelled on ended in Sheigal and he moved ahead with the stolen weapons on foot.

Jalala said he had a meeting with tribal elders from Sheigal and they had promised to extend their cooperation in finding the officer and the weapons.

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed a soldier was missing in Kunar, but gave no details.

Security officials said the officer had joined the Taliban.

ma