国际英语新闻:Pakistani army rejected Taliban's claim of prisoners swap

ISLAMABAD, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Pakistani army on Wednesday rejected the Taliban's claim of exchange of prisoners with the security forces in Waziristan tribal region.

Taliban spokesman Shahidullah Shahid told the media that the Taliban had handed over three security men and secured the release of six Taliban members.

He said the freed Taliban belonged to Khan Said faction of the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in South Waziristan.

Shahid didn't say the prisoners exchange was part of the possible talks with the government. "Talks had been going on for the exchange of prisoners for a long time and both sides reached the agreement," the TTP leader said.

He refused to divulge names of the freed Taliban but said they have reached areas in Waziristan tribal region under their control.

However, the army denied the Taliban claim, terming it as false.

"The Pakistan military rejected the news of swap over of any prisoners with Taliban as being reported by a foreign news agency," army spokesman Maj. Gen. Aslam Bajwa said in a text message to the media persons.