In Afghanistan, the Taliban has released 235 civilians held since insurgents seized control of an area in northern Sari Pul province five days ago. <br/><br/>Zabi Amani, spokesman for the provincial Governor, said today, the civilians were released after negotiations between the Taliban and tribal elders. <br/><br/>He said, the insurgents were still holding an unknown number of civilians. <br/><br/>He said, fifty-two civilians including women and children have been killed by the insurgents in Mirzawalang in Sayad district since insurgents took control of the area. <br/><br/>Qari Yusouf Ahmadi, a Taliban spokesman, claimed responsibility for seizing the area, but he denied that civilians were killed in Mirzawalang. <br/><br/>Amani added soon, Afghan security forces will begin an operation to retake the area.