KABUL, Afghanistan - The Taliban say they have kidnapped 50 Afghan policemen in the northeast of the country.

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Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said Sunday that the policemen, who were from Nuristan province, had just finished their training to join the Afghan National Police.

He says in an emailed statement to reporters that the Taliban ambushed the men Saturday afternoon after being tipped off that they would be traveling in Kunar province.

Kunar provincial police chief Gen. Khalilullah Ziayi confirmed that the militants had stopped four vehicles in Chapa Dara district and captured several dozen men.

He did not know the exact number and said it was unclear if all were members of the police or just prospective recruits.