Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Suspected Taliban militants in Afghanistan have kidnapped up to 40 Pakistani boys who inadvertently strayed across the border, officials said yesterday.
The boys, from Mamoun in the Pashtun tribal region of Bajaur, were trekking when they ended up in Afghanistan on Wednesday. "Now, they are being held by militants across the border," said Muhammad Haseeb Khan, a government official.
It was not possible to verify the claim. Afghanistan's Interior Ministry considers the claim a "rumour", a spokesman in Kabul said.
Security officials said they learnt of the kidnappings when approached by parents of the children. About 20 boys under 10 were allowed to return to Pakistan but those aged between 12 and 14 were still being held, Mr Khan said. Tribal elders and clerics are trying to negotiate their release. Bajaur is a route for Islamist militants entering Afghanistan but tribesmen from Mamoun are opposed to al-Qa'ida and the Taliban. REUTERS
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments