2 aid workers kidnapped in Afghanistan

KABUL, Afghanistan – Two foreigners from the International Red Cross who had helped free South Korean captives last month have been kidnapped in Afghanistan after talking with militants about the release of a German hostage, officials said Thursday.The two foreigners were abducted in Salar district, said Ewaz Muslimyar, the police chief of Wardak province.

An official who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation said the two foreigners had gone with their two Afghan drivers to Wardak province to discuss the release of a German man kidnapped in July.

All four ICRC staff were taken captive Wednesday afternoon, the official said.

The two foreigners helped coordinate negotiations and the release of 19 South Korean captives late last month, the official said.