Even as the Afghan government announced a three-month-long ceasefire in view of the Eid-ul-Azha festival, Taliban militants reportedly abducted almost 170 people in Kunduz on Monday, prompting government forces to launch an offensive to free the abductees.

Security forces in Afghanistan have reportedly rescued at least 149 people, including women and children, abducted by Taliban militants in the northeastern region of Kunduz on Monday. Twenty-one captives are still being held by the Taliban, The Associated Press reported.

Around 170 persons were taken hostage by the Taliban after militants hijacked three buses in the Khan Abad district of Kunduz province. Tolo News quoted Kunduz security director Saifullah Mahzon as saying that the three passenger buses were en route from Takhar province to Kabul when they were intercepted by the Taliban.

All the passengers were taken hostage and kept in Nikpe village, where government security forces eventually launched a massive offensive against the abductors.

Source: Agencies