JALALBAD (PAN): A tribal force has captured more than a dozen Taliban fighters during an ongoing search operation in the Spin Ghar district of the eastern
Governor Gul Agha Sherzai told Pajhwok Afghan News the tribesmen launched the operation late Tuesday night in accordance with of a collective decision of tribal elders.
Led by Malak Niaz, the lashkar involving volunteers from three sub-tribes of Momand tribe launched the search operation in mountains of the district where they captured 13 Taliban. Praising the tribes, Sherzai said the motive was to prevent violence on Election Day.
Spin Ghar district chief Jandol Khan Shinwari said the tribal elders had raised a force of 600 men to hunt down the insurgents intent upon disrupting the historic elections.
The lashkar detained seven Taliban last night and four this morning, explained Shinwari. Tribal elders are of the view if the government supported them, they could keep an eye on militants even in
He said there were Afridis among the local Taliban who had sneaked into the district from
But Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid insisted none of the fighters was arrested in Spin Ghar.
Meanwhile, a roadside blast hit a vehicle carrying election materials to a poling centre in Chaparhar district of the eastern Nangarhar province, injuring the driver.
Head of Independent Election Commission (IEC) in eastern zone Abdul Malik Sulemanzai told Pajhwok Afghan News the blast in Mano village damaged the vehicle. He added the election materials remained safe.
Governor Gul Agha Sherzai said a suspect had been arrested and was currently under investigation. No one has so far claimed responsibility for the blast.
ma/mud
