South Korean hostages alive say Taliban

The remaining 22 South Koreans being held hostage by the Taliban are alive despite the expiry of an ultimatum, according to the militants’ spokesman. He said no further deadlines would be set as Kabul had assured them it wanted to resolve the issue through talks, adding that medication had been handed over for those captives who needed it.

The head of the Christian aid workers was killed by the Taliban two days ago. South Korea’s top national security adviser has arrived in Afghanistan to try to secure the hostages’ release. President Hamid Karzai has said there will be no prisoner exchange after coming under sharp criticism in March for agreeing to hand over five Taliban prisoners against an Italian journalist.

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