07/22/2007
Taleban militants in Afghanistan say they have extended a deadline for their demands to be met for the release of 23 South Korean hostages.
A purported Taleban spokesman, Yousuf Ahmadi, told news agencies that the militants are giving government negotiators until Monday evening (seven p.m. local time - 1430 UTC) to respond to a demand that 23 Taleban rebels be released from Afghan prisons.
Earlier today (Sunday), the Taleban threatened to kill its South Korean hostages if Afghan or foreign troops attempt to free them by force.
The Afghan Defense Ministry said Afghan and U.S.-led coalition troops had surrounded several areas in Ghazni province where the hostages are believed to be held.
A South Korean delegation has arrived in Kabul to assist with negotiations aimed at freeing the hostages.
