Six foreign nationals abducted in N. Afghanistan

PUL-E-KHUMRI, Afghanistan - Unknown armed men abducted six foreigners and their Afghan driver in Khawja Alwan area outside Afghanistan's northern Baghlan province's capital city Pul-e-khumri on Sunday, a local official said.

"All the abducted foreigners were working for a sub-station of a power supply company in Khawja Alwan area when the incident happened today morning," police spokesman Zabihullah Shija told reporters here.

Without identifying their nationalities, the official blamed Taliban militants for the abduction and said, "Taliban commander Mullah Shahen is behind the crime."

However, he added that efforts are underway to ensure the safe release of the abducted persons.

Taliban militants are yet to make comment.