<p>GARDEZ (Pajhwok): <a href="/en/taliban" class="glossify-link">Taliban</a> insurgents abducted 22 passengers from a civilian vehicle in the capital of southeastern Paktia province on Tuesday, an official said.</p>
<p>Police chief Brig. Gen. Raz Mohammad Mandozai told Pajhwok Afghan News the militants stopped the vehicle and kidnapped 22 passengers on <a href="/en/afganistan/kabul" class="glossify-link">Kabul</a>-Gardez highway in Ghafoorkhel area.</p>
<p>He said police had rescued six of the passengers and efforts were underway to release the rest. “The captives are men. The Taliban are kidnapping civilians to spread harassment.”</p>
<p>Ajmeer, a resident of the area, said the militants kidnapped the civilians from two Corolla cars, two Mercedes and two Mazda-type vehicles.</p>
<p>He said one of the passengers managed to flee the area and several others, including <a href="/en/women" class="glossify-link">women</a>, were rescued by policemen. There has been so far no word so far about the incident from Taliban.</p>
<p>sa/mud</p>
