The Taliban deadline of noon Friday Afghan time (3:30 a.m. EDT) has expired, but the hostages are still alive, according to the Afghan deputy defense minister. The demands now include the release of 8 Taliban prisoners held by the Afghan government.

Via CNN:

The Taliban spokesman said Afghan authorities had asked for more time after the insurgents presented the government with a list of eight prisoners it wanted released.

"The administration of Kabul has asked us to give them till 12 noon today," spokesman Qari Mohammad Yousuf told Reuters by telephone from an undisclosed location.

"We are waiting for them. We have given them a list of eight prisoners and if they are not released we won't have any other option than to start killing the hostages."

South Korean chief presidential national security adviser, Baek Jong-chun, is expected to arrive in Afghanistan later on Friday to step up efforts to free the hostages.

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has pledged not to swap prisoners for hostages after being criticized for releasing five Taliban from jail in March in exchange for an Italian reporter.

The president and ministers have remained silent throughout the latest hostage ordeal.

Let's continue to pray for the Korean hostages and for Rudolf B., the German hostage and his Afghan colleagues, who haven't been heard from for several days now.
Psalm 106:10
He saved them from the hand of the foe; from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them.

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A Korean Hostage's Plea for Help
Another Korean Hostage Deadline
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Taliban Kill MURDER One South Korean Hostage

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