A BURNLEY man, captured while fighting for the Taliban has been released only to be re-arrested as he crossed the border into Pakistan.

The family of Anwar Khan, 25, now fear he could remain in custody in Pakistan for a considerable time or even be sent to Cuba where other Taliban fighters are being held by the Americans.

Anwar was captured by the Northern Alliance in Afghanistan while fighting for the Taliban more than two years ago. Many of his colleagues died in the fighting.

His family in Kent Street, Burnley, claim he went to Pakistan to 'kick' a heroin habit. After meeting a family uncle, it is thought that Anwar crossed the border and took up arms in Afghanistan.

His brother, Azmal Khan, flew out to Pakistan and was helped to be re-united with his brother by a BBC news reporter and film crew.

They were shown on television news hugging each other.

Their story will be told on the BBC 2 Correspondent programme on Sunday.

On television Anwar admitted fighting with the Taliban forces and said they were told they were up against Russian troops who had again invaded from the north.

He added: "It went too far. It was not meant to to too far, a lot of people got killed."

They were in a defence line under attack. Anwar said: "Only six of us got out alive, the rest all died."

Azmal said: "He is a kid from Burnley who was messed up with drugs. He came out to get physical exercise and to clean himself up but ended up where he did.

"I think he regrets what he has done.

"Of course I regret it, I regret it very deeply," said Anwar.

There was no reply at the family home in Stoneyholme early today.