Rescued from the Taliban

Photo: CTV

Troops on the move in Afghanistan

An American doctor abducted by the Taliban five days ago was rescued Sunday in eastern Afghanistan, the U.S.-led military coalition said.

Dr. Dilip Joseph was captured by Taliban insurgents Wednesday outside the Afghan capital, in the Sarobi district of Kabul province.

He was rescued in an early morning operation ordered after intelligence showed that the doctor was in imminent danger of injury or possible death, according to a statement.

A spokesman for U.S. forces in Afghanistan says it was a combined operation of U.S. and Afghan forces."

Lt. Joseph Alonso, a spokesman for U.S. forces in Afghanistan is giving few details of the rescue operation.

"Information was collected through multiple intelligence sources, which allowed Afghan and coalition forces to identify the location of Joseph and the criminals responsible for his captivity."

Gen. John Allen, the top commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan, said the joint force planned, rehearsed and successfully conducted the operation.

"Thanks to them, Dr. Joseph will soon be rejoining his family and loved ones," Allen said.

The statement did not say where Joseph is from, or whether he was harmed in captivity.