GHAZNI CITY - Officials said the Taliban set fire a civilian house in the Andar district of southern Ghazni province, torching some copies of the Holy Quran. A 65-year-old woman reportedly sustained injuries in the blaze.
Resident Mullah Abdul Salam's residence was set on fire by Afghan and foreign rebels on Tuesday night, burning 20 copies of the Quran, said Sher Khan Yousafzai, the administrative head of Andar.

He told Pajhwok Afghan News that Salam's sister sustained injures on her hands, feet and back. The house came under arson attack from rebels after Salam's sons joined a public uprising against the Taliban.
"One of Salam's sons, who led a group in the public uprising, was seized by the insurgents few days ago. The captive's fate remains unknown,'' the district chief added.

Karimullah, an inhabitant of the Khatol area, said: "The Taliban torched the house of Salam last night. The fighters also set fire to some books, including copies of the Holy Quran, after sprinkling them with kerosene oil.''

He described Salam a religious scholar, who opposed the killing of innocent people at the hands of the rebels. The man was not at his house during the incident. "We have taken pictures and videos of the burnt house and Quran and will release them to media outlets.''

Another resident, Mohammadullah, said about 30 Afghan and foreign rebels on 20 motorbikes came to the village and attacked Salam's house. The guerrillas also harassed residents, he alleged.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid acknowledged the burning of the house, but denied the claim that the fighters had desecrated the Quran or injured the woman. He said the house was used as a trench by a local militia against militants. (Pajhwok)