US AND Afghan forces yesterday rescued an American doctor who was allegedly abducted by Taliban insurgents in eastern Afghanistan, the Nato-led international forces said.
US AND Afghan forces yesterday rescued an American doctor who was allegedly abducted by Taliban insurgents in eastern Afghanistan, the Nato-led international forces said.
Dilip Joseph was kidnapped on December 5 in Sarobi district in Kabul province, some 50km from the capital, the Nato-led International Security Assistance Force said.
At least seven Taliban insurgents were killed in the pre-dawn raid, according to an official.
"Today's mission exemplifies our unwavering commitment to defeating the Taliban," said General John Allen, the commander of US and Nato forces in Afghanistan.
"I'm proud of the American and Afghan forces that planned, rehearsed and successfully conducted this operation.
"Thanks to them, Dr Joseph will soon be rejoining his family and loved ones," the general said.
Allen had ordered the mission because the "intelligence showed that Joseph was in imminent danger of injury or death".
Western civilians have seldom been the target of kidnapping for ransom in the 11 years of insurgency, compared to Afghans, but they are a prized target for insurgents.
In June, British special forces rescued two foreign aid workers - a Kenyan and a Briton - who had been kidnapped in north-eastern Afghanistan allegedly by the Taliban insurgents.
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