Local officials said on Wednesday the Taliban had released another 20 passengers they kidnapped in the Greshk district of southern Helmand province.
Taliban hijacked a bus carrying 43 passengers and two trucks in the restive district on Tuesday morning.
Greshk police chief, Mohammad Ismail Khpalwak, told Pajhwok Afghan News the militants freed 20 more passengers late on Tuesday. The individuals received help from nearby army bases, he said.
Currently, only five passengers were being held by the Taliban in the Babaji area of the provincial capital, he said, recalling 18 passengers including children and women had been freed yesterday.
A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, confirmed the releaseof the 20 passengers. He said six others were still being investigated by the insurgent movement.
