SDA drivers kidnapped in Logar, Taliban deny hand

PUL-I-ALAM (Pajhwok): Suspected Taliban militants kidnapped four drivers of a demining firm along with their vehicles in Khwashi district of central Logar province, an official claimed on Tuesday, but the Taliban denied their involvement.

The Sterling Demining Afghanistan (SDA)’s employees and vehicles were confiscated by Taliban militants late on Monday in Barkano area of the district, said Abdul Hamid Hamid, the town’s administrative chief.

 “The Taliban took four coasters and three Supper Costumes vehicles and abducted four drivers and possibly shifted them to Zankhar locality of Mohammad Agha district,” he told Pajhwok Afghan News.

The official said efforts at securing release of the abducted officials were underway, but there had been no breakthrough.

Tribal elder Haji Gul Habib also confirmed the incident. But the Taliban rejected the fighters had kidnapped SDA officials and said they had no hand in the saga.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said there were many groups who called themselves Taliban and were involved in kidnapping and other crimes. He said the Taliban would punish individuals involved such activities.

He said the Taliban under an agreement had allowed SDA official to work in Logar province. Mujahid did not provide details of the agreement, but said SDA staff had not violated the agreement with them.

nh/ma