Afghan Authorities Say Lebanese Engineer Free

International troops in Zabul Province (file photo) (Courtesy Photo) KABUL, August 9, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- A Lebanese engineer who was abducted in the southeastern province of Zabul on July 26 has been freed, RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan reports.

An Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman credits "government efforts" for Khalil Hassan's release.

He gave no further details.

Authorities blamed the former Taliban ruling militia for Hassan's abduction.