The governor’s spokesman, Faridon Aniq, told Pajhwok Afghan News the Taliban kidnapped the executive officer of Mardyan district, Abdul Rahim, on his way from Aqcha district.

Steps are currently being taken to rescue the kidnapped people.

Aniq told the news agency efforts were underway to secure the release of the kidnapped persons through mediation of tribal elders.

a member of the Jawzjan provincial council, Amaruddin Danishjo, told the Afghanistan-based news agency: “The security situation in Jawzjan is extremely bad and no one feels secure.”