Forty-two local forces in Paktia surrendered to the Taliban

Security officials in Paktia say 42 local forces have surrendered to the Taliban in the province.

Paktia police security chief Nisar Ahmad Wardak said the local forces had surrendered to the Taliban in the Ibrahim Khel area of ​​Gardez province.

Mr Wardak added that the forces had been forced to surrender to the Taliban due to a lack of air support due to road closures.

Meanwhile, the Taliban also said in a statement that 42 local forces had surrendered to the group in the Ibrahim Khel area of ​​Gardez.