The Afghan government and the Taliban on Monday exchanged some prisoners in their respective custody in the Hesarak district of eastern Nangarhar province, officials said.

Haji Abdul Khaliq Maroof, the Hesarak administrative head, told Pajhwok Afghan News the Taliban freed some policemen they had kidnapped a month ago as part of a prisoner swap deal brokered by tribal elders and influential figures.

The Taliban released a telecommunication official, an education officer and three policemen in return for the release of their four comrades who had been arrested by security officials during an operation in the Azri district of central Logar province.

Police spokesman Hazrat Mohammad Mashraqiwal confirmed the deal, but stopped short of giving details.

A Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the deal took place with meditation of tribal elders. The Taliban set free five policemen, including an officer, in return for their five important figures, the rebel spokesman said.