Taliban militants free 350 inmates in attack on Afghanistan's Ghazni prison

Taliban insurgents raided the main Ghazni prison in central Afghanistan killing four guards and releasing around 350 inmates, Afghan police said. The attack was triggered by a suicide bomber, who blew himself at the main entrance of the prison.

The gunmen were well-organised, said deputy provincial governor of Ghazni province Mohammad Ali Ahmadi, the BBC reported. They injured seven policemen after entering the jail compound and opened prison cells releasing the inmates. Only 80 prisoners were left behind, he added.

Three attackers, who were wearing uniforms, were also killed in the gunfight that ensued between the police and Taliban militants. It is still unclear where the prisoners fled after escaping from jail, authorities said.

In a previous raid, Taliban militants set free many prisoners from a Kandahar prison.