**Eighteen men who were kidnapped by suspected militants in Pakistan’s volatile north-west tribal region have been released unharmed, police say.**But it is believed that seven other people seized by gunmen at the same time are still being held.
The hostages were taken in Kurram after the vehicles they were travelling in were ambushed by men reportedly dressed as police officers.
The gunmen are thought to be local fighters loyal to the Taliban.
Officials say four of the seven who are still being held work for the local government. Women and children were among those taken captive, according to the police.
Kidnappings for ransom are common in Kurram, which borders Afghanistan.
The Taliban has a strong presence in Kurram, which has also been the site of violence between the majority Sunni Muslims and Shias.
Heavily armed militants seized several vehicles that were travelling in convoy to Parachinar, the main city in Kurram, said Mir Chaman, the area police chief.
“The militants were posing as policemen and wearing police uniforms,” he said.
An investigation was under way and all efforts were being made to find the hostages, he added.
There has been no claim of responsibility.This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
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