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

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. (More Taliban stories.)

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