Officials in Afghanistan say Taliban insurgents have kidnapped dozens of passengers in an eastern province near the border with Pakistan Saturday. The incident happened in the Syed Karam district of south-eastern Paktia province.
Provincial authorities and residents say that hundreds of Taliban fighters stopped and searched as many as 30 vehicles for several hours before seizing and driving away dozens of passengers to an unknown location.
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid says that there are “8 important Afghan officials” among around 30 people it took hostage, dismissing official’s claims women and children were among them.
Afghan security forces have launched a search operation in the area.