Afghan army frees 59 from Taliban custody

Kabul, Jan 2: The Afghan army launched a special operation in the country's Helmand province and set free 59 people from a Taliban prison, sources said on Saturday.

The Special Operation Force of Afghan National Army on Friday conducted a raid against a Taliban hideout in Nahri Sarraj district, releasing 59 people from Taliban custody, Xinhua quoted the country's defence ministry as saying.

Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Rassoul Zazai, a spokesperson for the army's 215 Maiwand Corps, said the operation was launched based on a confirmed tip off and that no member of the security force was hurt during the raid in the province, 555 km south of Afghan capital Kabul.

Several Afghan soldiers were among the freed people and they were shifted to the army Corps, according to Zazi.

Helmand, notorious for poppy growing, is also a known Taliban stronghold.

The Taliban militant group has yet to make comments.

IANS