54 freed in Afghan raid on Taliban prison in Helmand

At least 54 people have been released from a prison run by Taliban in Afghanistan’s southern province of Helmand, where militants are in control of the majority of districts.

At least 54 people have been released from a prison run by Taliban in Afghanistan’s southern province of Helmand, where militants are in control of the majority of districts.

Omar Zwak, a spokesman for the provincial governor, said on Tuesday that the prisoners were freed after a commando unit raided the prison in Musa Qala district late Monday night.

Zwak said there were 32 civilians, 16 police, four soldiers and two military doctors who had been locked up by the militants.

Afghan special forces spokesman Jawid Saleem also confirmed that dozens of people, including security personnel and civilians, were freed from the notorious detention center.

Helmand is one of the most embattled provinces in southern Afghanistan. More than 80 percent of its territory is controlled by Taliban.