Afghans fleeing say Taliban executing soldiers, attacking civilians

The Taliban are denying reports that militants are executing Afghan soldiers after they surrender.

The reports have come from Afghans fleeing the relentless Taliban drive across the country. Many have taken refuge in the capital Kabul.

The militants now control half of Afghanistan’s 34 provincial capitals.

The U.S. Embassy in Kabul sent a tweet saying the reports are “deeply disturbing could constitute war crimes.”

The Wall Street Journal quotes a Taliban spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, who said killing prisoners would violate the group’s principles.

Mujahid also denied reports that the Taliban have forced women and girls into marriages with fighters.

The Journal said refugees pouring into Kabul have told of Taliban commanders demanding that conquered towns turn over unmarried women to become the wives of militants.

Mujahid said that would be contrary to Islam.

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