One male South Korean hostage killed by Taliban

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Source: CCTV.com | 07-26-2007 08:13

South Koreans hold a candle-light vigil in Seoul, demanding the withdrawal of South Korean troops from Afghanistan and the safe return of their kidnapped compatriots.(AFP/Ha Tae-Hwang)

In Afghanistan, police have confirmed that one male South Korean hostage was killed by Taliban militants on Wednesday. A total of 23 South Koreans were captured and held hostage by Taliban militants in Ghazni a week ago.

A purported Taliban spokesman says Taliban fighters did not free eight female South Korean hostages on Wednesday. This is contrary to South Korean media reports, which quoted an unnamed South Korean official as saying eight female hostages have been released.

The Taliban spokesman says the male hostage was killed as Afghan authorities did not show enough sincerity in the talks.

He says the hostage was also killed to press Seoul to accept their demands. The South Korean government has confirmed the killing and has again urged the kidnappers to release the hostages immediately.

Editor:Du Xiaodan