Insurgents promise more violence before campaign is over
Taliban members in Afghanistan have claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of 30 people involved in the country’s election campaign, including campaign workers, election officials and even a candidate. Afghan officials have confirmed the kidnapping reports, but sought to assure voters on Friday that “they will be secure.” A local Taliban commander in Badghis says his troops plan to put the eight election officials and 10 campaigners that were kidnapped in the province on trial for their “crimes” before a Taliban court. Insurgents have repeatedly threatened to disrupt the local elections, prompting authorities to ban cars from populated areas beginning Friday and until after the polls close on Saturday. Four candidates and 20 of their supporters have reportedly been killed since the campaign began earlier this summer.