KABUL (AA): At least ten Afghan soldiers, who were kept captive by theTaliban for up to six years, were released by the insurgents as a “goodwillgesture”, a government official said on Friday.
Mohammad Yaseen Khan, the governor of southern Helmand province, said theInternational Committee of Red Cross facilitated the release of the Afghansoldiers from the Taliban captivity.
Speaking to reporters alongside the released soldiers in the provincialcapital Lashkar Gah, Khan said the Afghan government hails such positivesteps.
“Efforts are also underway to ensure safe release of many civilians fromTaliban’s custody,” he added.
Islam Uddin, one of the released captives, said he spent more than twoharsh years under Taliban’s captivity, adding he is pleased to get hisliberty back.
On Friday, Zalmay Khalilzad, Washington’s top peace negotiator forAfghanistan, hailed the release of 10 Afghan soldiers by the Taliban as apositive step towards peace in the country.
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The release came days after a prisoner swap of three key Taliban commandersfor two foreign professors at the American University of Afghanistan.
The U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the prison swap.
“We join families of Kevin King & Tim Weeks in celebrating their releasefrom Taliban captivity. Thanks to President Ghani for his courageoussupport.
Let’s hope this leads to more good things on the peace front like aceasefire that will help end this long war. Proud of my team”, he said in aTwitter post on Thursday.
