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Taliban Kidnap More Than 140 Laborers in Afghanistan


Afghan authorities say suspected Taliban militants have kidnapped more than 140 laborers in western Afghanistan.

Officials said the workers were captured Sunday in Farah province while traveling in three buses. The laborers were involved in building an army base in the province.

Provincial Governor Rohul Amin said tribal elders are negotiating to secure the workers' release.

Separately, NATO officials in Afghanistan say six civilians, including at least one child, were killed when their vehicle hit a roadside bomb in the country's south.

Authorities say the group was on the road near Tirin Kot, the capital of Uruzgan province, when the explosion occurred. Four others were wounded in Monday's attack.

The provincial police chief has blamed Taliban militants for the blast.

And, in Paris today, French Prime Minister Francois Fillon announced plans to send additional helicopters, drones and equipment, as well as 100 soldiers, to Afghanistan.

Shortly after that announcement, French lawmakers voted to extend France's mandate in Afghanistan.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.

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