WORLD> Middle East
Afghan troops capture 5 armed insurgents
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-02-23 14:13
KABUL-- Afghan National Security Forces (ANSF) captured five rebels in Khost province east of Afghanistan during an operation against Taliban fighters, provincial Police chief Abdul Qayum Baqizai said Monday.

Afghan police secure the area during a meeting between village elders and US forces commander in the area near Peshad village, Kunar Province, eastern Afghanistan February 21, 2009. [Agencies]

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"They were busy in cleaning Sabari district from insurgents when they came in contact with militants and captured five of them alive late Sunday night," Baqizai told Xinhua.

However, he did not say if there were any important rebels among the detainees.

Afghan troops with the support of the NATO-led peacekeeping force ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) have been fighting militants since long to ensure durable peace in the post- Taliban country.