No word of Irishwoman as second hostage in contact

Two of three UN workers kidnapped in Afghanistan have been allowed to phone home – one to say she expected to be freed soon – but there was no word of the Irishwoman abducted with them.

A spokesman for the Afghan government also said “progress has been made” toward ending the crisis.

“I’m hopeful that we will see their safe release in the near future,” said Jawed Ludin.

It was unclear, however, if officials would grant the demand of the Taliban splinter group threatening to kill the trio for a prisoner exchange.

Shqipe Hebibi of Kosovo, Filipino Angelito Nayan and Annetta Flanigan from Northern Ireland were abducted 12 days ago when armed men halted their marked UN vehicle in the capital Kabul.

There appeared to be no call from Ms Flanigan from Co Armagh.