ISI agent among 9 held in Kabul

KABUL), have been arrested by Afghan security forces in Kabul, a military commander said on Wednesday.

The men were detained two days ahead of the Loya Jirga and on the third day of the major event, Brig. Gen. Qadam Shah Shahim, head of the 111th unit of the Afghan National Army, told a news conference.

Two would-be suicide bombers travelling in a car were arrested two days before the assembly at the Pul-i-Charkhi check-post, he added.

Another five suspected militants were detained in Arghandi Bala and a sixth in the Khak-i-Jabbar district of Kabul. Ammunitions and military uniforms were recovered from the detainees, the commander said.

Defence Ministry spokesman, Gen. Zahir Azimi, who was also present at the new conference, praised Afghan forces for putting in place effective security arrangements during the jirga.

International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) spokesman, Carsten Jacobson, said Afghan forces would soon be able to maintain security across the country.

Azimi said nearly 107 armed militants were killed, 98 others injured and 511 detained during operations over the past one month in different areas of the country. About 65 ANA troops were also killed during the period.

Azimi said 812 anti-vehicle mines, 110 guns, 138 kilograms of explosives, 10 pistols, eight vehicles and 10 motorbikes belonging to the insurgents were seized during the month. He said seven operations by ANA troops were currently ongoing in different provinces.

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