KABUL, July 8 (Xinhuanet) -- The Afghan government has released eight individuals from an illegal private detention center run by unidentified foreigners at the center of Afghanistan's heavily guarded capital, said a top security official Thursday.

    "As a result of a coordinated operation conducted by police and the National Security Directorate, a gang was arrested and eight persons from their custody were released," Interior Minister Ali Ahmad Jalali told reporters here.

    He made the remarks after local media uncovered a private jail operated by foreign nationals in Kattai-e-Parwan district at the heart of Kabul.

    "One of the arrested persons is an American," he said.

    Under the disguise of an export company and fight on terror, the gang had carried out its activities, said the minister.

    Earlier on Wednesday, Chris Henderson, spokesman of the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan also admitted that one of the ring members was American.

    "An investigation is underway and the outcome will be made public after conclusion," said the minister. Enditem