Key Taliban figure detained in Balkh

MAZAR-I-SHARIF (PAN figure involved in recruiting militants had been arrested in northern Balkh province.

Balkh police chief, Col. Abdur Razzaq Qadiri, told Pajhwok Afghan News that Mullah Rahmatullah, alias Mubarak, was arrested in the Arab Mazari area of Chamtal district as a result of an operation by Afghan forces.

He said the operation came in response to an intelligence report. The police chief accused Mubarak of involvement in a series of insurgent attacks on Afghan security forces.

Elsewhere, police raided a house in Sholgar district, recovering illegal weapons and arresting the house owner. Police spokesman Sheer Jan Durrani said the raid in Bodana Kala area resulted in the seizure of one AK-47 assault rifle, two hand-grenades and two military torches.

ma/mud