A commander of the Afghan special forces has joined the Taliban group in eastern Kunar province of Afghanistan.

According to local government officials, the special forces commander has surrendered to Taliban militants in Shaigal district, where anti-governemnt armed militant groups are openly operating.

Provincial governor, Shuja-ul-Malik has confirmed the report and said that the commander has taken a tank along with some weapons and ammunition with him.

This is the first time a commander of the Afghan special forces is joining the Taliban group. However, the surrender of Afghan National Police (ANP) and Afghan local police (ALP) forces to Taliban militants is not rare.

Kunar is among the volatile provinces in eastern Afghanistan where militants are openly operating in it’s various districts.

Local officials in Kunar province did not disclose further information regarding the special forces commander identity, however, they have said that efforts have been put in place to recover the tank and weapons from the militants.

Taliban militants group yet to comment regarding the report.