Korean hostages 'still alive'

Aug 1 - A Taliban spokesman said that 21 South Korean hostages being held in Afghanistan are still alive despite the expiry of the latest ultimatum set by the kidnappers.

The insurgents killed a second Korean hostage earlier this week and threatened to kill more if the Afghan government didn't release rebel prisoners. Earlier a Taliban spokesman said two of the women being held captive were now seriously ill. The Afghan army has dropped leaflets in the region where the hostages are being held, warning civilians of an impending assault against the Taliban but the government denied that it was a prelude to a rescue attempt.

Helen Long reports.