At least 12 individuals have been arrested over the escape of inmates from the central prison of southeastern Paktia province, an official said on Tuesday.
On Sunday night, at least seven inmates, including four Taliban militants, escaped from the central prison in Gardez.
Abdullah Hasrat, the governor’s spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News the 12 individuals, including the prison head, were currently being interrogated.
Hasrat said the 12 individuals were detained after an investigation into the jailbreak.
On the other hand, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid claimed all the seven escapees were the movement’s fighters.
Mujahid identified the escapees as Bismillah, Raz Mohammad, Ismael, Saaduddin, Abdul Hakim, Sher Bahadur and Hazratullah.
About 600 inmates are being held in the Paktia prison.
