8 including journalist detained in Ghazni raid

GHAZNI CITY (Pajhwok): A journalist with the Killid Group and seven other civilians were detained during an Afghan-led operation in southern Ghazni province, officials and residents claimed on Thursday.

Killid Group Radio Director in Ghazni Nisar Ahmad told Pajhwok Afghan News one of their reporters, Hikmatullah Arin, was arrested in the Lewan village of Andar district on Tuesday. He said provincial officials had promised to release the reporter.

A brother of the journalist, Abdul Wali, said Arin and his two cousins were among the detainees. “Last night, when we were having dinner, security forces raided our village and took residents out of their houses along with me.

“Later they took away 10 people, including my brother and two cousins,” he added. He had no idea why his brother had been arrested, insisting he was innocent.

Andar district chief, Mohammad Qasim Desiwal, confirmed the overnight raid and 10 arrests in Lewan village. But Desiwal was unaware if the reporter was among the detainees.

In response to Pajhwok’s query, the NATO-led force said: “We can confirm 12 individuals suspected of having associations with enemy activity in Ghazni were detained during an Afghan-led operation yesterday.” The individuals are currently in Afghan custody for further questioning.

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