Militants seize passengers in eastern Afghanistan

Taliban militants on Saturday intercepted vehicles in Afghanistan's eastern province of Paktia, kidnapping several dozens of passengers, reported local media.

The abduction took place in the morning after the militants blocked a main road in Sayid Karam district, northeast of the provincial capital Gardez city, kidnapping unknown number of commuters, local TV channel Tolo News quoted the provincial police chief as saying in its news bulletin.

Unconfirmed reports claimed that more than 50 people, including several government workers, were abducted following the seizure.

A search and rescue operation was underway in the province 100 km south of Afghan capital Kabul, according to the report.

In a similar incident in February, unknown armed men kidnapped 31 passengers in southern Zabul province. The government secured the release of 19 persons earlier this month while the fate of the remaining people is still unknown.