Taliban storm Afghan jail, 'release hundreds of prisoners'
Taliban militants have reportedly stormed a jail in Afghanistan’s eastern province of Ghazni, killing police officers and setting many prisoners loose, local officials say.
The prison break took place early on Monday when gunmen and bombers blew up explosives-laden cars at the main entrance of the jail in Ghazni, some120 kilometers (75 miles) southwest of the capital, Kabul.
According to Mohammed Ali Ahmadi, the deputy governor of Ghazni, some 352 prisoners, including around 150 Taliban members, escaped.
He added that seven militants and four Afghan security forces were killed in the attack.
Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the group was behind the attack, claiming that the militants managed to free all prisoners inside the jail.
He also claimed that 40 Afghan security forces and prison guards as well as the three bombers were killed in the attack.
Afghanistan is witnessing growing violence despite the presence of thousands of foreign forces in the war-ravaged country. The United States and its allies invaded Afghanistan in 2001 as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror. The offensive removed Taliban from power, but insecurity still remains in several areas across the country.
Afghan border closure, fewer terror attacks in Pakistan
Millions of Afghans face food insecurity
Tehran summit: Afghanistan’s neighbors reject any foreign intervention
Make ‘right decision’ or face more US pressure, Rubio tells Venezuela’s Rodriguez
VIDEO | General Soleimani honored in Kashmir, Kargil
US, Israel waging ‘soft warfare’ to destabilize Iran after June defeat: Top general
VIDEO | Hundreds brave wind and cold to show solidarity with Gaza in Berlin
Israel kills more Palestinian civilians in Gaza amid ceasefire violations
VIDEO | Paris protest condemns US aggression against Venezuela
Pope Leo says Venezuela must remain an independent country
VIDEO | Germans condemn US aggression against Venezuela
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
