Taliban militants seized 23 South Korean aid workers on July 19 in central Ghazni Province. The militants killed two male hostages, but released two female captives.

The Taliban are demanding that the Afghan government release Taliban prisoners in return for the freedom of the remaining 19 hostages. The Afghan government has ruled out a prisoner exchange, saying it would encourage more kidnappings.

Talks to secure the captives' release stalled nearly two weeks ago.

(compiled from agency reports)