Unknown armed men kidnapped a dozen employees of a de-mining company MDC in Paktia province, east of Afghanistan, an official said Sunday.

"Twelve employees of MDC were kidnapped from Wachshakh area, outside the provincial capital Gerdez, late Saturday," deputy to provincial governor Wakil Abdul Rahman told Xinhua.

He added that the abductors also took away a car belonging to MDC along with the hostages.

However, locals put the number of abducted MDC staff at 16.

No group or individuals have claimed responsibility while Taliban insurgents often carry out such attacks, like abducting government employees and de-miners, to mount pressure on the government.

Source: Xinhua