Policemen join Taliban in Nimroz

ZARANJ (PAN): Three members of the Afghan National Police (ANP) joined Taliban insurgents in the Khashrod district of southwestern Nimroz province, officials said on Tuesday.

A police official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the trio manning a check-post in the Razi Balochi area of the district joined the militants on Tuesday night. They also surrendered 12 weapons and a police vehicle to the rebels.

Also relatives, the policemen tied up the hands and feet of four other colleagues before they deserted the checkpoint, the district chief, Mohammad Hashim Noorzai, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

A Taliban spokesman, Qari Yousaf Ahmadi, said the check-post commander — Abdul Qudus from Badghis province — and his two of his subordinates had joined the movement.

The individuals also turned in eight Kalashnikovs, a heavy machinegun, two other weapons, as many mortars and a police vehicle to them, he added.

mm/mud