Taleban prisoners escape

Authorities were last night searching for more than 40 Taleban prisoners who escaped from a prison in southern Afghanistan by digging a tunnel.

Several former Taleban commanders and the brother of former Taleban Defence Minister Mullah Ubaidullah were among those who escaped from the prison in Kandahar.

Government officials said five prison officials were also missing and were believed to have helped the Taleban, who had been arrested during fighting between Afghan forces and insurgents.