KABUL, July 22, SPA -- Afghan and international forces have launched an operation to rescue a group of South Koreans taken hostage by Taliban insurgents south of the capital Kabul, the Afghan Ministry of Defense says. "Afghan forces and international troops have launched a joint operation for the freedom of the Korean hostages," the Afghan Ministry of Defense said in a statement Sunday. "The result of the operation will be announced at a later date." A South Korean delegation arrived in Afghanistan on Sunday to try to secure the release of the hostages, Reuters reported.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/469422