20 Taliban militants lay down arms in W. Afghanistan

Twenty Taliban militants gave up insurgency and handed over their weapons to authorities in the western Herat province on Thursday, provincial governor Daud Saba said.

"A Taliban group composed of 20 armed men under commander Mullah Bashir Ahmad surrendered to government in Herat city, the capital of Herat province today," Saba told newsmen here.

These people were active in anti-government activities in Shindand district and their joining to government would strengthen government control there, the provincial governor further said.

Taliban militants have yet to make comment.

It is the second Taliban group laid down arms over the past two weeks in Herat. Previously 15 armed Taliban fighters handed over their arms and resumed normal life.

Source: Xinhua