Jailed Taliban leader killed in escape attempt

FAIZABAD (PAN prisoners, including a notorious figure, were shot dead after an attempted prison escape in northern Badakhshan province, an official said on Saturday.

A five-member group of armed insurgents riding motorcycles forced their way into the jail in Bashark district on Friday, said Naveed Farotan, the provincial government spokesman.

After overpowering the guards, the attackers took away two prisoners, including a jailed Taliban leader, Qari Asadullah, with them, the official said.

Afghan security forces chased the motorcyclists and the ensuing standoff left two men, including Qari Asadullah, dead.

Farotan said Qari Asadullah was a senior Taliban commander while the second prisoner killed was a serial killer.

However, a resident, wishing anonymity, said the attackers also seized and abducted three guards of the jail.

The governor spokesman said a thoroughgoing investigation had been launched into the incident to determine the facts.

aa/rm/ma

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