Ex-Bagram inmate returns to battlefield

MAIDAN SHAHR (Pajhwok): Released from the Bagram prison in central Parwan province, a Taliban commander has reportedly returned to the battlefield in central Maidan Wardak province, reliable sources told Pajhwok Afghan News on Tuesday.

Maulvi Aminullah, who had been arrested by security forces two years back, was released from the Parwan Detention Centre a few days ago, local officials said. Aminullah held a secret meeting with his comrades in Nirkh district and announced returning to the insurgency.

A well-placed source told Pajhwok Afghan News on condition of anonymity that before his arrest, Aminullah had been a Taliban-designated chief for Nirkh district. He was warmly received by a large number of fighters upon reaching the district from the Bagram jail.

The militants fired into the air to celebrate the man’s release, the official said. Aminullah had been detained by foreign troops during an operation two years back. The operation had resulted in the killing of Aminullah’s four companions.

The official said it was beyond his understanding why the insurgent leader had been set free. Aminullah hosted a number of Taliban fighters at his residence last night and announced a renewed fight against the government and its foreign backers.

The governor’s spokesman, Attaullah Khogyani, confirmed Aminullah had been released. However, he had no information about the meeting held at Aminullah’s residence and if he had rejoined the battlefield.

Under presidential decrees issued over the past few months, the Review Board on Prisoners’ Cases has freed up to 600 prisoners from the Bagram jail despite strong opposition from the US.

US officials allege some of the detainees released had been involved in killing American and Afghan security personnel and terrorist activities.

But the Review Board says the inmates are innocent and have been kept in prison without trials.

ma/mud