S. Koreans, Taliban hold hostage talks
Two top Taliban leaders and four South Korean officials met over the fate of 21 members of a church group held hostage for three weeks, Afghan officials said.
Purported Taliban spokesman Qari Yousef Ahmadi said Mullah Bashir and Mullah Nasorullah traveled to the central city of Ghazni, near where 23 South Koreans were kidnapped July 19. Two hostages have been killed by captors demanding the release of Taliban prisoners.
Provincial Gov. Marajudin Pathan said the two Taliban, four Korean officials and four International Committee of the Red Cross officials participated.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
