KANDAHAR CITY (Pajhwok): The Taliban have freed seven military officers of the previous government in southern Kandahar province, an official said on Sunday.
They had arrested when the Taliban took over the province. The military officers were freed after three months through mediation by tribal elders.
The released personnel are former Kandahar police chief Syed Sharif Sartip, Spin Boldak police head Sardar Khan, 5th Border Police Battalion Commander Ayub Kakai, 3rd Border Battalion Commander Haji Mahmood Aka, Commander Attaullah Mama, Spin Boldak Highway Commander Haji Jan and Maiwand district commander Haji Lala.
Ishaq, son of former Spin Boldak police chief, told Pajhwok Afghan News seven high-ranking security officials, including his father, had been released after three months of captivity.
He said the released individuals were from Spin Boldak district and the Taliban told them to leave their ancestral area due to tribal issues.
“Some elders told the Taliban to give weapons to the freed security personnel. The Taliban, however, rejected this proposal,” revealed Ishaq.
Kandahar police spokesperson Mohammad Asif Hakimi confirmed the release of the seven security officers.
He acknowledged their release was conditional, explaining they would not leave the country because their security had been guaranteed.
“The relevant organs will ensure their security and they will also decide when and where they should be provided weapons for their security,” he said.
Spin Boldak police chief Maulvi Jamal said the former security officers were kept in custody because they had personal disputes and faced public complaints.
He said they had been released on the basis of a general amnesty announced by the Taliban leadership. They were handed over to their families.
nh/mud
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