Nearly 500 Taliban fighters escape from Afghan prison

[News_Editor]

Nearly 500 Taliban fighters escape from Afghan prison

2011-04-25 14:00:47 GMT+7 (ICT)

KABUL (BNO NEWS) -- Nearly 500 Taliban fighters escaped from a prison in southern Afghanistan on early Monday morning, officials said, in what is considered to be a major setback for Afghan and NATO-led forces.

The Taliban claimed responsibility for planning and carrying out the prison break, for which preparations began in November 2010. It happened at a jail in Kandahar Province, the birthplace and main stronghold of the Taliban.

Taliban spokesman Qari Yousef Ahmadi said its fighters began digging an underground tunnel in November 2010, which eventually reached 360 meters (1,181 feet) when it was completed on Sunday evening.

"As a result of careful planning, the operation to free the Mujahideen (Muslim fighters) began at 11 p.m. yesterday when three prisoners were told of the plan and in turns went to other cells to awaken prisoners," Ahmadi said. "And so began the liberation process that continued until 3.30 a.m. when the last Mujahid was freed from captivity."

After the prisoners were freed through the tunnel, the escapees were taken to cars and then transported to safe areas, Ahmadi added. Afghan authorities confirmed the claims, but there were conflicting reports on the number of people freed from the jail.

Ahmadi claimed that a total of 541 prisoners had been freed while provincial officials said 'only' 475 people had escaped, 474 of whom are Taliban fighters and one criminal. Ahmadi said 106 Taliban leaders are among those who escaped.

A spokesperson for the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) offered little information on the situation. "We are aware of the break out from the prison and of the Taliban's claims. The situation is ongoing and is being dealt with by the Afghan authorities," the spokesperson said. "ISAF is standing by, ready to help if we are requested."

Monday's prison break is the largest of its kind since June 2008, when Taliban insurgents drove a truck filled with explosives into the main gate of another prison in Kandahar province. The co-ordinated attack allowed more than 1,200 inmates to escape, among them at least 350 Taliban fighters.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-04-25

[coma]

This puts The Great Escape to shame. Charles Bronson is turning in his grave.

How do they pull this <deleted> off without getting busted ?? More weight for the arguement that we should pull out of this place.

[midas]

Or was it " allowed " to happen so that any that are re-captured

can justifiably be sent to Guantánamo Bay ? And according to the NY Times

it doesn't look like Guantánamo is going to close after all

Another Obama broken promise because he would have known

about these facts from the beginning

Classified Files Offer New Insights Into Detainees

" The secret documents, made available to The New York Times and several other news organizations, reveal that most of the 172 remaining prisoners have been rated as a “high risk” of posing a threat to the United States and its allies if released without adequate rehabilitation and supervision. But they also show that an even larger number of the prisoners who have left Cuba — about a third of the 600 already transferred to other countries — were also designated “high risk” before they were freed or passed to the custody of other governments. "

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/25/world/guantanamo-files-lives-in-an-american-limbo.html?_r=1

[Ulysses G.]

Why would the U.S. "allow' them to escape? These terrorist scum would think that Guantánamo was heaven compared to prison in Afghanistan.

Edited April 25, 2011 by Ulysses G.

[SteeleJoe]

Or was it " allowed " to happen so that any that are re-captured can justifiably be sent to Guantánamo Bay ?

Wow. Classic.

Why would the U.S. "allow' them to escape?

Obviously because the US government is evil and takes more pleasure in doing the imprisonment itself. Just because they can. (Let's just pretend that you aren't right in that however unpapatable Gitmo may be, it's probably just a wee bit nicer than Afghanistan prisons). Of course they'd release them and then hunt them down. Makes perfect sense.

(Funny thing is, it does make perfect sense to a certain sort of crowd).

[Steely Dan]

Or was it " allowed " to happen so that any that are re-captured can justifiably be sent to Guantánamo Bay ?

Wow. Classic.

Why would the U.S. "allow' them to escape?

Obviously because the US government is evil and takes more pleasure in doing the imprisonment itself. Just because they can. (Let's just pretend that you aren't right in that however unpapatable Gitmo may be, it's probably just a wee bit nicer than Afghanistan prisons). Of course they'd release them and then hunt them down. Makes perfect sense.

(Funny thing is, it does make perfect sense to a certain sort of crowd).

I think it was masterminded by a Halal butcher living near Gitmo.

[SteeleJoe]

Or was it " allowed " to happen so that any that are re-captured can justifiably be sent to Guantánamo Bay ?

Wow. Classic.

Why would the U.S. "allow' them to escape?

Obviously because the US government is evil and takes more pleasure in doing the imprisonment itself. Just because they can. (Let's just pretend that you aren't right in that however unpapatable Gitmo may be, it's probably just a wee bit nicer than Afghanistan prisons). Of course they'd release them and then hunt them down. Makes perfect sense.

(Funny thing is, it does make perfect sense to a certain sort of crowd).

I think it was masterminded by a Halal butcher living near Gitmo.

Duh! Everyone knows he works for CIA/Mossad/ZOG.

[midas]

Why would the U.S. "allow' them to escape? These terrorist scum would think that Guantánamo was heaven compared to prison in Afghanistan.

because it reminded me of a similar event in Yemen in February 2006

" One theory circulating in Yemen these days is that the recent escape of 23 prisoners from a maximum-security intelligence facility was orchestrated to transfer them to U.S. custody, circumventing Yemen's extradition laws. Certainly the U.S. would have an interest in obtaining custody of the escapees. Several were convicted of complicity in the bombing of the U.S.S. Cole, which killed 17 U.S. service members on Oct. 12, 2000. Others include convicted bombers of a French oil tanker, the Lindburg. One was an American, Gaber Elbaneh, who was convicted in the U.S. of involvement in an Al Qaeda cell in Lackawana, New York."

http://www.worldpress.org/Mideast/2267.cfm

[coma]

Why would the U.S. "allow' them to escape? These terrorist scum would think that Guantánamo was heaven compared to prison in Afghanistan.

because it reminded me of a similar event in Yemen in February 2006

" One theory circulating in Yemen these days is that the recent escape of 23 prisoners from a maximum-security intelligence facility was orchestrated to transfer them to U.S. custody, circumventing Yemen's extradition laws. Certainly the U.S. would have an interest in obtaining custody of the escapees. Several were convicted of complicity in the bombing of the U.S.S. Cole, which killed 17 U.S. service members on Oct. 12, 2000. Others include convicted bombers of a French oil tanker, the Lindburg. One was an American, Gaber Elbaneh, who was convicted in the U.S. of involvement in an Al Qaeda cell in Lackawana, New York."

http://www.worldpres...ideast/2267.cfm

Interesting conspiracy theory. Why would the US want to ship 500 taliban States side ?

[SteeleJoe]

One theory...

One theory.

One theory circulating in Yemen...(note the lack of anything more than that; nothig to indicate that it's anything more than something imagined by some Yemenis -- no doubt only the most informed and impartial of folks).

But let's read on:

After the jailbreak, the Yemeni government failed to provide Interpol with the prisoners' photographs fingerprints and other information that would have enabled an international red alert. Lacking the information, Interpol issued a lower, orange alert. If the regime had been acting in concert with the United States, it likely would have attempted to reap the publicity benefit of prompt cooperation with Interpol. Rather, there are many indications that the escape was carried out in concert with Al Qaeda sympathizers in the Yemeni security apparatus...

Over 200 of the escapees' relatives and associates have been detained for questioning; the Yemeni government has denied a U.S. request to interrogate them, citing sovereignty concerns. Published reports initially indicated that some of the prisoners were captured on the day of the escape; no official statements were made, leading to speculation that the prisoners had been re-released...

The Gulf States Newsletter reported that the P.S.O., "seeded with Salifists," is responsible for much of the "revolving door strategy" that has seen militants escape or be released to engage in recidivist militancy...I

...In 2003, Al Qaeda described President Saleh as "the only Arab and Muslim leader who is not an agent for the West," and offered the Yemeni government a truce. If Yemen stopped hunting down suspected Al Qaeda militants, and released those already jailed, Al Qaeda would put an end to its attacks inside the country.

In fact there's a lot more to this article than just the one theory cited above (including some very different theories). But it's no surprise that the poster above chose that theory to cite alone. Fortunately for anyone dumb enough to read my posts, I have to go now and don't have time to comment more...

EDIT TO ADD:

because it reminded me of a similar event in Yemen in February 2006

That's not an answer to "Why would the U.S. "allow' them to escape?" -- which is what he asked.

Edited April 25, 2011 by SteeleJoe
Removed previously deleted post.

[midas]

Why would the U.S. "allow' them to escape? These terrorist scum would think that Guantánamo was heaven compared to prison in Afghanistan.

because it reminded me of a similar event in Yemen in February 2006

" One theory circulating in Yemen these days is that the recent escape of 23 prisoners from a maximum-security intelligence facility was orchestrated to transfer them to U.S. custody, circumventing Yemen's extradition laws. Certainly the U.S. would have an interest in obtaining custody of the escapees. Several were convicted of complicity in the bombing of the U.S.S. Cole, which killed 17 U.S. service members on Oct. 12, 2000. Others include convicted bombers of a French oil tanker, the Lindburg. One was an American, Gaber Elbaneh, who was convicted in the U.S. of involvement in an Al Qaeda cell in Lackawana, New York."

http://www.worldpres...ideast/2267.cfm

Interesting conspiracy theory. Why would the US want to ship 500 taliban States side ?

One thing is clear.....they dont seem to learn anything from their

past mistakes

" More than 1,000 prisoners escape as Taliban blows up gates of Afghan prison " June 2008

Taliban insurgents blew open the gates of the main prison in the Afghan city of Kandahar last night, freeing more than a thousand prisoners.

Officials said nearly all of the 1,150 prisoners, including 400 Taliban inmates, fled in the dark.

It is believed some prisoners were killed in a gun battle between police and Taliban fighters inside the jail.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1026386/More-1-000-prisoners-escape-Taliban-blows-gates-Afghan-prison.html

[SteeleJoe]

That's the second time you've responded to a question by posting something that in no way answers that question.

Interesting tactic.

And please explain how it is that "they" didn't learn from their mistake? In the first case the Taliban attacked the prison, in the second, they apparently dug a tunnel out. What mistake did they make the first time and how has it been repeated? And who do you mean by "they"?

Oh, and why don't you care to opine on any of the other theories presented in your first article? Why didn't you choose to put them forth as possible scenario?

(Rhetorical questions, really -- the answers are obvious)

Edited April 25, 2011 by SteeleJoe

[flying]

Billions spent to capture....while Rome burns

Wonder where all the dirt from the 1/4 mile tunnel went?

Yankee go home...Brother can you spare a dime.......

Edited April 26, 2011 by flying

[craigt3365]

One off topic post deleted. Please stick to the topic and not harassing other members.

[Steely Dan]

Hmmm, Austrian Romper-room, as oppose to Keynesian banana-republican ponzi scheme perhaps? To relate this to U.S foreign policy all the billions of dollars of foreign aid and military intervention does need paying for. This is either done through running a GDP surplus or else it's funded on the never never with financial derivatives keeping the lid from flying off the empty pot.

Of course wars and foreign intervention are highly inflationary which is what Keynesians desire in order to keep their Ponzi scheme running. The main cloud on that horizon is the credit worthyness of the U.S as a whole, perhaps this may explain the reluctance to get more involved in Libya, or indeed the planned withdrawal from Iraq. Billions in external aid could be saved by cutting Afghanistan/Pakistan loose and no longer funding Egypt.

I think I can see the punch line though;- By racking up ever increasing debt Obama keeps the economy from collapsing before the next election leaving it to collapse afterwards. This would indeed have the effect of U.S foreign policy being far more insular as the economy goes into cold turkey, meanwhile the geopolitical pot boils over with nothing to keep unstable regimes intact.

Austrian romper-room? Gates of Vienna more like, and the gates have been left wide open in order to suck in more debt slaves to consume.

Edited April 26, 2011 by craigt3365
removed deleted post

[siampolee]

Methinks that America should be employing these intrepid miners so as to aid themselves and their coalition allies to dig themselves out of the war in Afghanistan.

Might well be wise to ship some of those miners to Libya as well as the need for such services is becoming more apparent as each day passes.

As an aside I would suggest that the Afghani prison guards are issued with hearing aids along with guide dogs and white sticks so as they are able to cope with their afflictions i.e. deafness and blindness.

Goes to prove that adage that you never can buy an Afghani and his loyalty, you can only rent that loyalty.

Tribalism is indeed a powerful bonding agent.

[Steely Dan]

If 500 prisoners (who should be high security risk) escape it does suggest that either the current Afghan regime is not up to the task of fighting the Taleban, or they don't really have their hearts in it as ridding Afghanistan of 'infidel' involvement is the lesser of two evils for them.

It is a mess though, more so in Europe because cutting all ties with unruly theocracies does not reverse immigration from such places of people potentially hostile to their host Countries.

[jazzbo]

For more 'on topic' related discussion as in Afghanistan and Pakistan Leaders Settling with the Taliban; How many American lives has it taken to go back to square one? go to:

http://johnbirchsociety.org/component/content/article/1009-commentary/6715-afghanistan-and-pakistan-leaders-settling-with-the-taliban

... which more adheres to the acceptable party line.

[bangkokeddy]

It is a mess though, more so in Europe because cutting all ties with unruly theocracies does not reverse immigration from such places of people potentially hostile to their host Countries.

The Europol Terrorism Situation and Trend Report 2011

By europolice on 19. April 2011

Terrorism continues to pose a high threat to the security of the EU and its citizens and has become more diverse in its methods and impact. That is the conclusion of Europolls annual review of terrorism, presented today in the European Parliament by the agency’s Director, Rob Wainwright.

Europol’s EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report (TE-SAT) records a total of 249 terrorist attacks in the EU in 2010, in which seven people died and scores of others were injured. Most of these were related to violent separatist, nationalist, or anarchist activities. Three attacks were attributed to Islamist terrorist groups, of which two were aimed at causing mass casualties.

...

http://euro-police.noblogs.org/2011/04/the-europol-terrorism-situation-and-trend-report-2011/

[SteeleJoe]

It is a mess though, more so in Europe because cutting all ties with unruly theocracies does not reverse immigration from such places of people potentially hostile to their host Countries.

The Europol Terrorism Situation and Trend Report 2011

By europolice on 19. April 2011

Terrorism continues to pose a high threat to the security of the EU and its citizens and has become more diverse in its methods and impact. That is the conclusion of Europolls annual review of terrorism, presented today in the European Parliament by the agency's Director, Rob Wainwright.

Europol's EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report (TE-SAT) records a total of 249 terrorist attacks in the EU in 2010, in which seven people died and scores of others were injured. Most of these were related to violent separatist, nationalist, or anarchist activities. Three attacks were attributed to Islamist terrorist groups, of which two were aimed at causing mass casualties.

...

http://euro-police.n...nd-report-2011/

Hey kids, can you say schadenfreude?

I thought you could!

[bangkokeddy]

For more 'on topic' related discussion as in Afghanistan and Pakistan Leaders Settling with the Taliban; How many American lives has it taken to go back to square one? go to:

http://johnbirchsociety.org/component/content/article/1009-commentary/6715-afghanistan-and-pakistan-leaders-settling-with-the-taliban

... which more adheres to the acceptable party line.

Birchers?

Thought somehow i have a soft spot for them.

[bangkokeddy]

It is a mess though, more so in Europe because cutting all ties with unruly theocracies does not reverse immigration from such places of people potentially hostile to their host Countries.

The Europol Terrorism Situation and Trend Report 2011

By europolice on 19. April 2011

Terrorism continues to pose a high threat to the security of the EU and its citizens and has become more diverse in its methods and impact. That is the conclusion of Europolls annual review of terrorism, presented today in the European Parliament by the agency's Director, Rob Wainwright.

Europol's EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report (TE-SAT) records a total of 249 terrorist attacks in the EU in 2010, in which seven people died and scores of others were injured. Most of these were related to violent separatist, nationalist, or anarchist activities. Three attacks were attributed to Islamist terrorist groups, of which two were aimed at causing mass casualties.

...

http://euro-police.n...nd-report-2011/

Hey kids, can you say schadenfreude?

I thought you could!

Can you spell irrational fear, paranoia and alarmist propaganda?

[Steely Dan]

It is a mess though, more so in Europe because cutting all ties with unruly theocracies does not reverse immigration from such places of people potentially hostile to their host Countries.

The Europol Terrorism Situation and Trend Report 2011

By europolice on 19. April 2011

Terrorism continues to pose a high threat to the security of the EU and its citizens and has become more diverse in its methods and impact. That is the conclusion of Europolls annual review of terrorism, presented today in the European Parliament by the agency’s Director, Rob Wainwright.

Europol’s EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report (TE-SAT) records a total of 249 terrorist attacks in the EU in 2010, in which seven people died and scores of others were injured. Most of these were related to violent separatist, nationalist, or anarchist activities. Three attacks were attributed to Islamist terrorist groups, of which two were aimed at causing mass casualties.

...

http://euro-police.noblogs.org/2011/04/the-europol-terrorism-situation-and-trend-report-2011/

The European prison population stats tell another story. No wonder France are all for sealing their borders.

http://islamineurope.blogspot.com/2008/02/muslim-population-in-european-prisons.html

France - 50%-70%, Spain - 70%

Edited April 26, 2011 by Steely Dan

[SteeleJoe]

It is a mess though, more so in Europe because cutting all ties with unruly theocracies does not reverse immigration from such places of people potentially hostile to their host Countries.

The Europol Terrorism Situation and Trend Report 2011

By europolice on 19. April 2011

Terrorism continues to pose a high threat to the security of the EU and its citizens and has become more diverse in its methods and impact. That is the conclusion of Europolls annual review of terrorism, presented today in the European Parliament by the agency's Director, Rob Wainwright.

Europol's EU Terrorism Situation and Trend Report (TE-SAT) records a total of 249 terrorist attacks in the EU in 2010, in which seven people died and scores of others were injured. Most of these were related to violent separatist, nationalist, or anarchist activities. Three attacks were attributed to Islamist terrorist groups, of which two were aimed at causing mass casualties.

...

http://euro-police.n...nd-report-2011/

Hey kids, can you say schadenfreude?

I thought you could!

Can you spell irrational fear, paranoia and alarmist propaganda?

Yes, I can! And none of that applies to me or anything I've ever posted or implied....

[bangkokeddy]

The European prison population stats tell another story. No wonder France are all for sealing their borders.

http://islamineurope.blogspot.com/2008/02/muslim-population-in-european-prisons.html

France - 50%-70%, Spain - 70%

True. But did you read the articles your blog links as the sources?

In France, Prisons Filled With Muslims

French prison officials blame the high numbers on the poverty of people who have moved here from North African and other Islamic countries in recent decades. "Many immigrants arrive in France in difficult financial situations, which make delinquency more frequent," said Jeanne Sautière, director of integration and religious groups for the French prison system. "The most important thing is to say there is no correlation between Islam and delinquency."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/04/28/AR2008042802560.html

And again, it can maybe seen a legit to erect a high fence and keep all the others out to protect your own ethnic group and cultural identity, but only when you stay inside that fenced region and don't bother the others in their place or invade their countries with armed forces.

[trisailer]

Mission Acomplished - Thanks Georgie

[bangkokeddy]

Can you spell irrational fear, paranoia and alarmist propaganda?

Yes, I can! And none of that applies to me or anything I've ever posted or implied....

Did i said that this applies to you?

But okay, where is the schadenfreude when i quote a Europol report that says that in a total of 249 terrorist attacks in the EU in 2010 only three attacks were attributed to Islamists.

[SteeleJoe]

Did i said that this applies to you?

No, you didn't. But as it was response to me, I thought I'd make it clear it didn't apply to me.

But okay, where is the schadenfreude when i quote a Europol report that says that in a total of 249 terrorist attacks in the EU in 2010 only three attacks were attributed to Islamists.

You know what? I wasn't paying as close attention as I should I have and jumped to a conclusion (which I generally pride myself on NOT doing) based on my view of you as an extremely bigoted poster.

Fact is, I may have been totally in error for posting that. I apologize.

But in regards to this:

n a total of 249 terrorist attacks in the EU in 2010 only three attacks were attributed to Islamists.

I would cite this:

In 2010 611 individuals were arrested for terrorist-related offences, of which 179 were linked to Islamist terrorism, representing a 50% increase on the previous year. Meanwhile Islamist terrorist groups issued 46 threat statements to interests in the EU, which also represents an increase on 2009.

If you want to know, by the way, I am absolutely NOT a fear-monger and have zero problem with Muslims or Islam (It happens that I live in a muslim community and work and socialize with them happily). I do have a problem with Islamism and Islamists and I think it and they are not to be taken lightly as a growing danger and I don't think those stats (the ones you quote or the ones I did) tell us anywhere near the whole story or indicate that things will remain as they are -- but I think the concern and the need for vigilance needs to be kept in perspective.

[bangkokeddy]

But in regards to this:

n a total of 249 terrorist attacks in the EU in 2010 only three attacks were attributed to Islamists.

I would cite this:

In 2010 611 individuals were arrested for terrorist-related offences, of which 179 were linked to Islamist terrorism, representing a 50% increase on the previous year. Meanwhile Islamist terrorist groups issued 46 threat statements to interests in the EU, which also represents an increase on 2009.

Of course, that is what an alarmist would do, because that 50% increase sound much more dramatic than the only 3 out of 249 terrorist attacks.

But good to hear that you don't hate Muslims and can work and socialize with them happily, and can see the difference between them and Islamist extremist. That is the same as i do and think.

And I am much more worried about the extremist nationalists right and their sympathisers who don't see that difference because it would not fit their hate propaganda.

[SteeleJoe]

Of course, that is what an alarmist would do, because that 50% increase sound much more dramatic than the only 3 out of 249 terrorist attacks.

Couldn't keep it civil or intellectually honest, could you? Had to go ad hominem on me and posts a falsehood. Of course, no doubt you -- and maybe others -- will (understandably) think that I got nasty in my characterization of you as a poster first, but here's the difference: in post after post you show your bigotry -- but there's not one single post that shows me as an alarmist.

It's a simple fact (interpret it how you like but don't distort what I said or attribute to me things I never said explicitly or implicitly): 179 individuals linked to Islamist terrorism were arrested for terrorist related offences. Those are only people who were arrested, I doubt you'll argue that the authorities are so competent that they get everyone. Dramatic or not, that is not an insignificant number if we are talking about people who want to commit acts of terrorism. And yes, a 50% increase is also significant. Try and argue otherwise.

That's just going by the cited source, which I don't necessarily do -- but it's YOUR source (and this is not the first time you've selectively quoted from a source to support your argument but left out the part that potentially undermines it.)