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Taliban Releases Video of Professors Abducted from American University in Kabul | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Afghan security forces member hurries to fight off the attack on the American University in the capital. AP


Kabul- Taliban released a video Wednesday showing the American and Australian professors who were kidnapped in August, the first time they have been seen since their abduction.

The two men, an American identified as Kevin King and an Australian identified as Timothy Weekes, were abducted outside the American University of Afghanistan in Kabul.

In the 13-minute video, they say they are speaking on Jan. 1 and were apparently delivering a message on behalf of the kidnappers.

The American University of Afghanistan opened in 2006 and has more than 1,700 students. It has been targeted in deadly attacks by the Taliban in the past.

The Pentagon confirmed in September it had tried to rescue the two teachers in a special forces operation in August, but the attempt came too late.

Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook confirmed in September that President Barack Obama had approved a mission at Defense Secretary Ash Carter’s recommendation to recover hostages, but he did not provide details about the mission, citing operational security concerns for the troops and the safety of the hostages.