Taleban claim French NGO captives

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Two French aid workers and three Afghan colleagues have been seized by the Taleban in south-west Afghanistan, a spokesman for the rebels has said.

The French man and woman, who work for an education organisation, were captured while in Nimroz province.

A spokesman for the Taleban told a BBC reporter in Afghanistan that they had kidnapped all five.

Last month, an Italian journalist was kidnapped in the southern province of Helmand but released after two weeks.

The Taleban confirmed it had all five but did not say what would happen to them.

"They are in our custody now and our leadership will decide their fate," the Taleban spokesman was quoted by news agency AFP.

Common tactic

In Paris, a foreign ministry spokesman: "The foreign ministry as well as our embassy in Kabul are following this matter closely in cooperation with the local authorities as well as with the French NGO."

The Taleban have carried out a number of kidnappings recently, demanding the release of some of their fighters from prison in return for freeing the hostages.

The US and UK criticised the deal made with the Taleban by Italy and Afghanistan to secure the release of the kidnapped Italian journalist.

They say the release of five militants in exchange for Daniele Mastrogiacomo, who was freed on Monday, endangered Nato troops and encouraged kidnappings.

The journalist's driver was executed and his translator is still in their custody.

The Taleban says he and the team of Afghan medics will not be freed until more of their prisoners are also released, something the Afghan government has so far refused to accept.