1st LD Writethru: 40 Taliban militants surrender in N. Afghan province

FAIZABAD, Afghanistan, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- Up to 40 Taliban militants have given up fighting amid ongoing military operations in Afghanistan's northern Badakhshan province, provincial governor's spokesman Nik Mohammed Nazari said on Tuesday.

"With mediation of elders and the support of local authorities, a total of 40 Taliban fighters gave up fighting and laid down their arms in Argu district early today," Nazari told Xinhua.

"The former militants would be transported to the provincial capital Faizabad on Wednesday to formally announce their joining in the peace process at a ceremony attended by officials," the official added.

The surrender of the militants is taking place amid military operations which have been continuing in Argu district over the past few days.

Taliban militants who are in control of parts of Argu, Baharak and Wardoj districts of Badakhshan province have not commented on the report. Enditem