NATO: Hundreds escape from Afghan jail

NEW: Police capture eight of the escapeesThe Taliban claims to have facilitated the prison break by digging a tunnelA Taliban spokesman says the overnight escape took place over 4 and 1/2-hour periodIn June 2008, up to 1,000 prisoners escaped from the same prison

Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- More than 400 prisoners escaped early Monday from a jail in the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, officials said.

The Taliban, which claimed responsibility for facilitating the escape, said 541 prisoners fled. NATO's International Security Assistance Force said the number was closer to 470

It was the second prison break at the facility.

In June 2008, up to 1,000 prisoners -- almost half of them Taliban members -- escaped the prison after a raid by militants. A large truck bomb was detonated against the side of the compound, permitting the escape.

The Kandahar governor's office said police have launched a wide operation for Monday's escapees and had recaptured eight.

A Taliban spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahed, said its members spent five months digging a 320-meter (1,049-foot) tunnel to the prison. The escape took place over a four and a half-hour period, Mujahed said.

"We are aware of reports that a tunnel was involved," NATO said in a statement.

CNN

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.