(MENAFN- The Journal Of Turkish Weekly) Afghan officials have confirmed reports that Taliban abducted dozens of passengers on Saturday in Paktika province near the Pakistan border.
Authorities said the incident took place after militants occupied the main road in Syed Karim district and searched all vehicles passing by.
Eye witnesses said the kidnappers took away passengers, including women and children, from some 30 vehicles.
Zalmai Oryakhail, Paktia police chief, confirmed the incident and said that security forces have launched a rescue operation.
Taliban claimed responsibility for the incident, according to the group's spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.
In a message to local media, Mujahid said the aim of the operation was to identify those working for the government in various sectors. He added that only government servants and officials would be kept and the rest would be released.
Syed Karim is considered a relatively peaceful district in this restive part of the country.
Earlier in May, 19 out of 31 people kidnapped from the southern part of the country were released by militants after being held hostage for over two months.
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