Taliban kidnap 22 passengers on Kabul-Gardez highway

Taliban insurgents abducted 22 passengers from civilian vehicles in the capital of southeastern Paktia province on Tuesday, an official said.
Police chief Brig. Gen. Raz Mohammad Mandozai told Pajhwok Afghan News the militants stopped the vehicles and kidnapped 22 passengers on Kabul-Gardez highway in Ghafoorkhel area.
He said police had rescued six of the passengers and efforts were underway to release the rest. “The captives are men. The Taliban are kidnapping civilians to spread harassment.”
Ajmeer, a resident of the area, said the militants kidnapped the civilians from two Corolla cars, two Mercedes and two Mazda-type vehicles.
He said one of the passengers managed to flee the area and several others, including women, were rescued by policemen.