Kabul:Afghan security forces on Tuesday launched a major operation in Zabul province to rescue 30 abducted bus passengers.

\"The operation involving units of national army, police and national directorate for security was launched in Khak-e-Afghan district and so far 32 militants involved in kidnapping have been killed,\" an official told Xinhua.

A group of unidentified gunmen separated 30 ethnic Hazara passengers from two buses on February 22 and took them to unknown locations.

According to the official, the security forces have probably located the place where the hostages were taken and hence the operation was launched.

Afghanistan launches operation to rescue 30 hostages