Two S Korean hostages arrive in Ghazni city

Source: Xinhuanet | 08-14-2007 08:55

KABUL, Aug. 13 (Xinhua) -- Ghazni provincial government spokesman said the two South Korean hostages, who were just released by the Taliban, had met South Korean officials in Ghazni city, the capital of Ghazni province.

Before this, Xinhua had got the information from a local journalist Haidar who witnessed the arrival Monday afternoon.

Reports said the two hostages were released in Andar district neighboring Ghazni city, and they were first handed over to the International Committee of Red Cross.

A total of 23 South Koreans were kidnapped by Taliban militants on a road in Ghazni province on July 19.

Taliban rebels killed two male hostages on July 25 and July 30 separately to press Afghan and South Korean authorities to meet their demands. The others were still being held by Taliban militants.

The Afghan government has refused to release Taliban prisoners as the Taliban has demanded to exchange for the hostages.

Taliban militants have carried out kidnappings in Afghanistan over the past two years frequently, and some hostages were killed.

Editor:Du Xiaodan