KANDAHAR, Afghanistan, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Thirteen abducted road construction laborers were freed in Afghanistan's southern province of Kandahar on Monday, a local official said.

"The 13 abducted construction workers were freed by militants early Monday following the latest mediation of local elders and villagers," a provincial official told Xinhua anonymously.

On June 21, four Afghan Border Police personnel were killed and 13 laborers were abducted after militants attacked a road construction site in Spin Boldak district of Kandahar.

Taliban militants have intensified armed attacks against security forces across the country since April 25 when the Taliban's yearly offensive started.

The Taliban also urged civilians to stay away from official gatherings, military convoys and locations regarded as legitimate targets by militants.