Khaama Press, May 16, 2015

Taliban kidnap dozens of Passengers in Paktia province

At least 30 people including women and children were abducted by the militants

By Mirwais Adeel

The Taliban militants have abducted dozens of Passengers from eastern Paktia province of Afghanistan, local officials said.

The officials further added that the passengers were abducted while they were travelling in Syed Karam district early on Saturday morning.

Provincial security chief Zalmai Orya Khel confirmed the passengers were abducted but he did not disclose further information regarding the exact number of the passengers taken as hostage.

In the meantime, a member of the provincial council Mohammad Rahman Kabiri said at least 30 people including women and children were abducted by the militants.

Taliban militants claimed responsibility behind today’s kidnappings and said the hostages are individuals affiliated with the Afghan government.

This comes as at least 31 passengers were abducted by the anti-government armed militants while they were travelling in two buses in southern Zabul province in the month of February this year.

At least 19 of the 31 hostages were released by the militants following a prisoner swap in southeastern Ghazni province last week.

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