27 people freed from Taliban jail in Helmand

LASHKARGAH (Pajhwok): Twenty-seven people have been released from the Taliban jail in the Nawzad district of southern Helmand province during security forces raid, an official said on Sunday.

Maj. Abdul Qader Bahadorzia, spokesman for 215^th Maiwand Military Corps, told Pajhwok Afghan News Afghan and foreign forces raided the Taliban prison late on Saturday night.

He said about 27 people were released during the overnight raid.

According to Bahadorzi, two police, four children and some common people held over alleged connection with the government were among the freed people from the Taliban jail.

Taliban confirmed the development and said about 41 individuals were being kept in the prison in connection with robbery, kidnapping, personal disputes, and other crimes.

Qari Yousaf Ahmadi, said their cases were under investigation in the courts, but they were released by security forces during the overnight raid. However he denied having held any individual over cooperation with the government.

In the past, security forces raided the Taliban jails and released many innocent people.

Sa/nh