In Afghanistan, provincial police chief said unknown armed men abducted 18 de-miners in Khost province. A group of de-miners travelling in a truck in Mazghwaza area of Musa Khil district this afternoon were intercepted by unknown men and 18 personnel were kidnapped. He said the kidnapped men were working for Mine Detection Center a non-governmental organization active in clearing mines and unexploded explosive devices in the province. An official said that the kidnappers also drove away the truck used by the de-miners. He said an investigation is underway. The post-Taliban Afghanistan has been regarded as the most mine infested country in the world.