Ghazni (Afghanistan), August 13
Two women among the 23 South Koreans kidnapped by the Taliban in mid-July were freed today on a rural Afghan roadside and then driven to a US base, the first significant breakthrough in a hostage drama now more than three weeks old.

The two women, who broke into tears after seeing the international Red Cross officials there to take custody of them, got out of a dark gray Toyota Corolla driven by an Afghan elder and into one of two waiting Red Cross SUVs. The women said nothing to reporters alerted to the handoff location 10 km southeast of Ghazni city by a Taliban spokesman.

The women-who wore scarves on their heads, khaki trousers and a traditional Afghan shirt that hangs to the knees, were then driven to the US base in Ghazni city, where American soldiers searched the women and then let them into the base. Both carried bags with them.

The South Korean government confirmed the release of the two hostages, and said they were under protection in a safe location. Seoul called for the other captives to also be freed. “We urge the kidnappers to release our people and we will make efforts for the safety and release of South Koreans,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Cho Hee-yong.

The women, who the Taliban have said are ill, were among church group volunteers kidnapped by militants on July 19.

The release is the first breakthrough in the hostage drama, which took a downturn in late July when two male captives were executed by gunfire. — AP