The federal government says a Canadian is missing in Afghanistan following a report that the Taliban is claiming they have captured someone from Canada.

A Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman says Canadian officials are aware of the Taliban statement.

The spokesman says a man identified as Colin Rutherford is missing in Afghanistan after travelling to the country as a tourist.

Lamoureux says Canadian officials are working with Afghan authorities to help Rutherford's family secure the man's "safe release."

A news release purportedly from Taliban was issued early Sunday saying the insurgents have captured a Canadian man in Ghazni province.

The claim was reported in the Afghan media.

The Canadian government says it strongly advises against all travel to Afghanistan.