Inmates flee as Taliban overrun Jawzjan prison

SHEBERGHAN (Pajhwok): Local sources say the Taliban have captured the main jail in in northern Jawzjan province, letting inmates escape.

Officials, however, denied the claim and said clashes were underway close to Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum’s residence south of Shiberghan, the provincial capital.

Meanwhile, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told Pajhwok Afghan News the fighters had seized the governor’s house, the police headquarters, the Shiberghan prison and were advancing on other parts of the city.

But a security official, who did not want to be named, rejected the Taliban claim, saying ground and air operations were underway to clear the city

All provincial officials were currently at Marshal Dostum’s residence and were directing the fighting from there, the source added.

Mohammad Yasin, a resident of Shiberghan, told Pajhwok: “The Taliban have gained control of the main prison and released all prisoners.”

Without going into details, he said: “One of our neighbours. who jailed in connection with a crime, arrived home today.”

sa/mud