Taliban claim releasing 53 security personnel

KANDAHAR CITY (Pajhwok): The Taliban on Saturday announced releasing 53 captive security forces in southern Kandahar province, but officials said only three government forces have been freed and the rest were civilians.

Taliban spokesman Qari Yousaf Ahmadi told Pajhwok Afghan News that the government forces were released following an amnesty decree from their leadership.

He said the freed security personnel had been arrested during different clashes in Kandahar.

He added about 53 security personnel were released and reunited with their families on Friday.

But Jamal NasirBarakzai, police spokesman, told Pajhwok only three security personnel had been released and the remaining individuals were civilians.

He added the individuals were released in Shah Walikot district on Friday.

He claimed the militants always harassed civilians and arrested them for their alleged cooperation with government.

sa/ma