The Taliban released 235 villagers held after the insurgents captured a village in the northern province of Sar-e Pul, a senior provincial official said. 


Provincial Governor Zahir Wadat said the people from Mirza Olang village had arrived in Sar-e Pul, the main town of the province, although some others were still with the Taliban. 


After days of waiting for additional troops to arrive, security forces would soon begin a clearance operation to retake the village, he said. 


The village was overrun at the weekend, with as many as 50 local people and militia members killed

Source: NNA