Afghans detain ‘rebels’ on plane

International and Afghan forces are working together to tackle the threat from insurgents

Four suspected militants have been detained in Afghanistan after boarding a flight bound for Saudi Arabia.

Nato says Afghan authorities ordered the plane to return to Kabul airport after receiving tip-offs from US intelligence agents.

One of the detainees was said to belong to the Haqqani network – an insurgent group with links to al-Qaeda.

He was wanted in connection with attacks against Afghan and international troops, Nato said.

The Nato-led International Security Assistance Force (Isaf) says the pilot was warned that fighter jets would be deployed if he did not turn around.

Once the plane landed in Kabul Afghan security forces then went on board to arrest the men, who were unarmed.

An Afghan intelligence official told the BBC that a phone conversation intercepted by American agents had given the men away – but security personnel and the airport then lost track of the men, who were able to board the plane.

They are now being questioned by authorities.

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