An Afghan interpreter, Ajmal Naqshbandi, kidnapped and held since March 5 by the Taliban in Afghanistan, was reported killed Sunday, according to a spokesman for the group. Location of Helmand Province within Afghanistan Naqshbandi was taken hostage in Helmand Province, along with Italian reporter Daniele Mastrogiacomo and their driver, Syed Agha. Mastrogiacomo was freed March 20 in a controversial hostage exchange, while Agha was killed by the Taliban early in his captivity. The exchange of La Repubblica reporter Mastrogiacomo for five Taliban prisoners was criticized, by security experts, as a precedent that could encourgage further kidnappings. It was thought originally that Naqshbandi was also released as part of the exchange deal, but was later revealed by the Taliban that he was not released. The Taliban are holding two French aid workers and three Afghan colleagues, kidnapped last week in Nimroz province , and are threatening to decide their fate next week. Ransom demands or deadlines have not yet been reported.
An Afghan interpreter, Ajmal Naqshbandi, kidnapped and held since March 5 by the Taliban in Afghanistan, was reported killed Sunday, according to a spokesman for the group. Location of Helmand Province within Afghanistan Naqshbandi was taken hostage in Helmand Province, along with Italian reporter and their driver, Syed Agha. Mastrogiacomo was freed March 20 in a controversial hostage exchange, while Agha was killed by the Taliban early in his captivity. The exchange of reporter Mastrogiacomo for five Taliban prisoners was criticized, by security experts, as a precedent that could encourage further kidnappings. It was thought originally that Naqshbandi was also released as part of the exchange deal, but was later revealed by the Taliban that he was not released. The Taliban are holding two French aid workers and three Afghan colleagues, kidnapped last week in Nimroz Province , and are threatening to decide their fate next week. Ransom demands or deadlines have not yet been reported.
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