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1st LD Writethru: Afghan army frees 59 persons from Taliban custody

Xinhua, January 2, 2016 Adjust font size:

The Afghan army personnel launched a special operation in the country's southern province of Helmand Friday night and set free 59 persons from a Taliban prison, sources said on Saturday.

"Special operation force of Afghan National Army conducted a raid against a Taliban hideout in Nahri Sarraj district north of Helmand's capital of Lashkar Gah overnight, releasing 59 people from Taliban custody," the country's Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Rassoul Zazai, a spokesperson for the army's 215 Maiwand Corps, told Xinhua earlier that the operation was launched based on a confirmed tip off and that no member of the security force was hurt during the raid in the province, 555 km south of Afghan capital.

Several Afghan soldiers were among the freed people and they were shifted to the army Corps, according to Zazi.

Helmand, notorious for poppy growing, is also a known Taliban stronghold.

The Taliban militant group has yet to make comments. Endit