Afghanistan Times
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KABUL: A senior Taliban official held under custody of the National Directorate of Security (NDS) in the northern Faryab province, has managed to escape, provincial officials confirm.
Members of provincial council identify him as Salahoddin Ayyoubi, who is reportedly militants’ shadow governor for the province.
They say that coinciding the release of 84 people from Taliban detention with escape of Ayyoubi was a matter of concern.
Security officials in Faryab are unavailable to provide details, but Taliban militants claim that Ayyoubi joined them after being in government custody for three years.
“We freed 84 helpless Afghans from their (Taliban) captivity Thursday night in the Qaisar district,” said Besmellah Waziri, army chief of staff.
People and security analysts ask why Ayyoubi who they call him a “dangerous man” was not taken to Kabul or Bagram detention center?
“The government needs to give details about the release of prisoners in Faryab,” said Ahmad Saeedi, a political expert.
President Ghani recently ordered for the release of 900 inmates most of them Taliban fighters. His order was faced opposition by politicians.
