LIMA, Nov 17, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Ottawa is taking "very seriously" the detention of a former member of Canada's elite special forces in Afghanistan, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Saturday.

Retired soldier David Lavery was "picked up" by the Taliban shortly after landing in Kabul on Monday, according to Canadian broadcaster CTV News.

His whereabouts are unknown, the outlet added, citing unnamed sources.

"I can first of all assure you that the Canadian government is taking very, very seriously the situation," Trudeau said at the close of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Lima, when asked about Lavery's case.

The prime minister added that consular assistance has been provided to Lavery's family, but he declined further comment, citing "operational and privacy reasons."

Lavery made headlines in 2021 for helping an estimated 100 Afghans flee Kabul during the chaotic withdrawal of US and allied forces.

He spent decades in the Canadian military and is said to have been a key member of its elite Joint Task Force 2 special operations unit.

More recently, Lavery has reportedly operated a private security firm in Kabul.