50 Taliban militans join the government forces

50 Taliban militant fighters laid down their arms and join the government military, Afghan officials say.

Kunduz province police chief Abdul Rahman Sayedkhaili says 10 or 15 militants at a time have switched sides in recent months, but that on Tuesday, 50 Taliban fighters joined pro-government forces.

He says the Taliban — from Iman Sahib district — were being heavily pressured by Afghan and coalition forces.

Despite of Afghanistan province police chief  commentments, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid denied report of Taliban switching sides.

He says that even if they did, they might be just doing it temporarily because of the onset of winter, or as part of their own war tactics. He says more than 3,000 Taliban are actively fighting in the north.