The deputy intelligence chief of the Taliban militant group has been arrested by Afghan security forces in the north of the country, the Afghan foreign and domestic intelligence agency said Wednesday.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) — The arrested individual, identified as Mirwais, was reportedly involved in gathering intelligence information on the locations and movement of Afghan government forces, the National Directorate of Security (NDS) announced, as cited by the Khaama Press.
The NDS noted that the detention of Mirwais was part of a major military operation conducted all across the country, aimed primarily at detaining top Taliban officials.
Security in Afghanistan has become particularly fragile following the withdrawal of NATO forces in December 2014 and an ensuing spring offensive by militants, including the Taliban. The insurgent group, formed in the 1990s, seeks to enforce Sharia law in Afghanistan and Pakistan. Its members, who have declared war on the government of Afghanistan, are known for committing terrorist attacks against state and civilian targets.
This story first appeared on Sputnik & is reposted here with permission.