Taliban kidnap district chief in Gardez

GARDEZ (Pajhwok): The Taliban militants on Friday kidnapped the Samkani district chief in southeastern Paktia province, the provincial police chief said.

Maj. Gen. Zalmai Oryakhel told Pajhwok Afghan News that the insurgents forced Saleh Muhammad out of his car and took him to an unknown location at 2:00 pm.

Saleh Muhammad was on his way to Gardez, the provincial capital, from Samkani district when gunmen ordered him down the car near Mirzaki district.

He said the district chief did not inform security officials about his travel. A massive manhunt was underway to recover the official, the police chief added.

rm/mud