Militants abduct 13 travellers in Afghanistan

Pul-e-Khumri (Afghanistan), March 12 (IANS) Armed militants intercepted a passenger bus in Afghanistan's Baghlan province on Tuesday and kidnapped 13 commuters, officials said."A group of armed militants intercepted a passenger bus in Jar-e-Khushk area of Baghlan-e-Markazi district... After checking the travellers, the militants took 13 men to unknown locations," an Army spokesman told Xinhua news agency.The commuters were travelling from northern Badakhshan to Kabul, the official said, adding efforts were underway to ensure the safe release of the abductees. He blamed the Taliban for the kidnapping. But Taliban militants, who are active in parts of Baghlan and the neighbouring Kunduz province, were yet to claim responsibility.
--IANS soni/