Taliban abduct 27 people in Afghanistan
Kabul, May 16: Taliban militants on Saturday intercepted some vehicles in Afghanistan's eastern province of Paktia and kidnapped at least 27 people, media reported. The incident took place in Sayed Karam district of the province when the militants closed roads and stopped vehicles in the area, Tolo News reported citing police chief Zalmai Oryakhil. One witness said roads were closed at about 5 a.m. by the Taliban who then abducted the people. However, officials did not provide further details about the incident. Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban said on Twitter that eight government employees were among those "arrested" and that the group was "investigating" the remaining 19. He implied that if the 19 were found to be non-government officials, they would be released.
