In pictures: S Korea hostage release

On the dusty roads of central Afghanistan, a six-week kidnap ordeal at the hands of the Taleban has finally ended for a group of South Korean Christian aid workers.

With the help of tribal elders, the hostages were released in several groups over two days at separate locations around Ghazni province.

Three groups were released on Wednesday, followed by another two groups on Thursday.

They were all driven to safety in Red Cross vehicles. Yonhap news agency said they were taken to a US army base near Ghazni to rest.

Red Cross officials said the group were "relieved" and physically in good shape.

Relatives of the hostages were delighted to hear of the release. They have had an anxious wait for news of their loved ones.

The church to which the hostages belong said all the families were "rejoicing".

But joy at the release of the 19 is also tinged with sadness. Two men with the group were shot dead soon after being kidnapped.

The group are expected to move to a South Korean army base north of Kabul for check-ups before making their journey home.

Back

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Next