FAIZABAD - Taliban on Sunday said they have set free 120 policemen they detained in Warduj district of northeastern Badakhshan province.

Security forces and Taliban had heavy clashes in Tirgaran locality of the district for four days and finally the military post in the locality fell to insurgents with more than 100 security forces held captive by the group.

Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban spokesman, said in an email the personnel were freed after mediation by local elders and guarantee that they would not again join security forces’ ranks.

He added the policemen surrendered their post to the Taliban in return for safe release and a promise not to work with the Afghan government anymore.

Nawid Ahmad Frotan, spokesman for acting governor, however, said they had received reports regarding release of 36 Afghan forces.

He told Pajhwok Afghan News 107 security forces including local, border and national police personnel had been captured by Taliban amid rumors that all had been released.

Frotan said the policemen were released without any deal or conditions.

The spokesman claimed Tirgaran military post was surrendered to Taliban by a local police commander named Jalal and local elders.

Gen. Baba Jan, police chief, said the local and border police had surrendered the military post after an embarrassing deal with the insurgents. (Pajhwok)