LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, June 22 (Xinhua) -- About 28 bus passengers abducted earlier by Taliban militants had been freed in southern Helmand province, the provincial police chief said Wednesday.
"Following efforts by security forces and local elders to secure the safe release of the abductees, a total of 23 kidnapped passengers were freed late Tuesday and five remaining people were released earlier on Wednesday," Aqa Noor Kentoz told Xinhua.
In the early hours of Tuesday, Taliban militants intercepted three vehicles in Gereshk district of Helmand and detained the travelers.
Helmand, notorious for poppy growing, is also a Taliban stronghold.
The Taliban-led insurgency has been rampant since early April when the militant group launched its annual rebel offensive in different areas of the country.
The Taliban urged civilians to stay away from official gatherings, military convoys and centers regarded as the legitimate targets by militants besides warning people not to support the government.
The militants launched several kidnapping attacks recently to snatch off-duty security forces or government workers.
About 17 people were killed in a similar attack in northern Kunduz province late last month.
