Taliban execute carjackers in Ghazni

GHAZNI CITY (PAN said on Saturday they had executed three alleged highwaymen four days after they were captured while stealing cars in southern Ghazni province.

The three were shot dead in line with a Taliban court’s verdict after they were found guilty of robbing passengers, snatching vehicles and intimidating residents of Qarabagh district, said rebel spokesman.

Zabihullah Mujahid added the men, seized in Nawrozkhel village, were shot to death in the Marwarda area on Saturday.

A Taliban commander in the area, Abdul Qahar Akhunzada, said the robbers posed as members of the movement. They had confessed to their crimes, including snatching ornaments from women, he added.

Passengers and drivers have long been complaining about the presence of armed robbers on the Kabul-Kandahar highway in Qarabagh district.

District chief, Zaitullah Azimi, confirmed the seizure of the three robbers by the militants. He said another three outlaws had been arrested by police and they were currently being interrogated.

District council chief, Abdul Haleem, said the Taliban had captured the thieves three days ago in the Akhtarkhel area. He added the individuals seemed to have links with the Taliban.

Unconfirmed reports said the three belonged to the same tribe and village and their relatives had approached the rebels for their release.

ma/mud