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THE TALIBAN RELEASED a video yesterday showing an American and an Australian who were kidnapped in August, the first time they have been seen since their abduction.
The two men, an American identified as Kevin King and an Australian identified as Timothy Weekes, were abducted outside the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul, where they worked as teachers.
US officials said in September that American forces had launched a rescue mission, but the captives weren’t at the raided location.
In the video, sent to media by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid, the pair appear pale and unshaven.
They say they are speaking on 1 January in the video. Apparently delivering a message on behalf of the kidnappers, they ask US President-elect Donald Trump to offer a prisoner exchange to secure their freedom.
State Department spokesman Mark Toner said US authorities were studying the video and could not confirm its authenticity.
He declined to comment on the case, citing privacy considerations, but he added:
Taking and holding civilian hostages is reprehensible and we condemn such actions in the strongest terms.
Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a statement saying the “Australian government has been working closely with other governments to secure the release of an Australian man kidnapped in Afghanistan in August 2016.”
Citing a request for privacy from the man’s family, and “in the interests of his own safety and well-being,” Australian officials would not comment further, it said.
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Journals Leopardstown tips finished 8th, 12th and 3rd(in a very poor race). This is sponsored content(Boyle Sports). It is disgusting The Journal is peddling gambling ads to hit their revenue targets. Gambling advertising should be made illegal especially across media that is accessible by all age groups
Ya have to feel for the kurds. They are getting attacked and messed over from all sides as far as I can see
How does a society stop someone like this? Reads as though he only got more violent over the years. I pity his parents – though possibly they feel lucky to be alive after the son’s latest rampage.
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