French journalists abducted in Afghanistan alive

KABUL, Jan 2, 2010 - Two French journalists kidnapped in eastern Afghanistan this week are thought to be alive and in good health, a source involved in efforts to free them said Friday.

But the condition of three Afghan assistants abducted with the journalists from France’s public television broadcaster on Wednesday was unclear, the source told AFP from Kabul.

“The two French journalists appear to be alive, in good health and being well treated,” said the source.

Suspected Taliban militants snatched the journalists in the war-torn country around 60 kilometres (38 miles) from the Afghan capital, according to a French journalist working with them.The kidnappers were yet to issue any claim of responsibility late Friday more than 30 hours after the journalists disappeared.

Criminal groups and Taliban insurgents have kidnapped several dozen foreigners, many of them journalists, since the 2001 US-led invasion ousted the Taliban regime in Kabul, sparking a nine-year insurgency.

- AFP