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Afghan Forces Free 62 Soldiers From Taliban Prison

Ayaz Gul

   ISLAMABAD - Officials in Afghanistan said Wednesday a commando
   operation in a northwestern region has freed 62 security personnel held
   in a Taliban prison. Meanwhile, the insurgent group, in a fresh attack
   elsewhere, says it has killed at least 18 Afghan security forces.

   A Defense Ministry statement noted the overnight commando raid targeted
   the insurgent-run detention center in the restive Bala Murghab district
   in Badghis province.

   It captured five Taliban guards and inflicted casualties on several
   others, the statement said. The captives were mostly members of the
   Afghan National Army (ANA).

   There was no immediate reaction from the Taliban.

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