Afghan forces rescue hundreds of hostages taken by Taliban in bus ambush
(VOVWORLD) - Afghan forces have launched a lightning operation in northern Kunduz province, rescuing 149 people, including women and children, abducted by the Taliban hours earlier.
 Afghan soldiers search vehicles at a checkpoint in Jalalabad, eastern Afghanistan. (Photo: Noorullah Shirzada/AFP/Getty Images) |
The officials said by mid-afternoon on Monday, fighting was still underway to free 21 remaining hostages. Nasrat Rahimi, deputy spokesman for the interior ministry, said Taliban fighters had ambushed a convoy of three buses travelling on a road in the Khan Abad district. At least seven Taliban fighters were killed in the rescue mission.