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Taliban Jailbreak Frees 1,200

Inmates spill into streets after suicide blast at Kandahar prison

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 13, 2008 11:02 PM CDT

(Newser) – Taliban fighters blasted into Kandahar's main prison last night and freed about 1,200 inmates, including 350 Taliban, the New York Times reports. Prisoners, including Taliban leaders, quickly flooded the streets and scattered into nearby villages. “It is very dangerous for security," a Kandahar politician said. "They are the most experienced killers and they all managed to escape."

Two suicide bombers sparked the escape by setting off truck bombs, destroying the prison's mud walls and main gate. Armed fighters then raced in on motorbikes, killing 15 guards and pulling open cell doors. Kandahar has launched an operation to nab the inmates and their liberators, the New York Times reports.

[Images (8)]

[Videos (1)]

Afghan soldiers are seen near the prison which was attacked by Taliban militants in Kandahar south of Kabul, Afghanistan, Saturday, June 14, 2008. (AP Photo/Allauddin Khan)

Afghan policemen are seen at a security room of the prison after the Taliban militants attacked on the main prison in Kandahar south of Kabul, Afghanistan, Saturday, June 14, 2008. (AP Photo/Allauddin Khan)

Afghans look on the prison, unseen, after the Taliban militants attacked on the main prison in Kandahar south of Kabul, Afghanistan, Saturday, June 14, 2008. (AP Photo/Allauddin Khan)

An Afghan police officer sits next to the gate of the prison in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, Sunday, May 11, 2008. Taliban fighters blasted open the prison's gate last night, freed 1,200 prisoners. (AP Photo/Allauddin Khan)

Inmates at Kandahar jail try to hand over requests to be released in this file photo. (Getty Images)

A guard talks to a prisoner in Kandahar jail in this file photo. An attack on the prison last night killed 15 guards and freed 1,200 inmates. (Getty Images)

Taliban militants ride a motorbike in Afghanistan, Saturday, Sept. 29, 2007. (AP Photo/Pajhwak News Agency)

Pakistani tribal villagers chant slogans against U.S. and Pakistan government in the Pakistani tribal area of Bajur near Afghanistan border Thursday, May 15, 2008. (AP Photo/Mohammad Sajjad)

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A NATO major discusses the situation in Kandahar after the jailbreak. (worldclassjanitor)

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Taliban Jailbreak Frees 1,200