Hijacking Drama Unfolds in London: Hostage Release and Negotiations Continue

British authorities and international negotiators are engaged in critical talks to resolve the Afghan jet hijacking, which has seen 27 passengers freed so far. The 150 remaining passengers, including the crew and unidentified hijackers, are still on board. The hijackers' demands and identities remain unclear, but reports suggest they may be seeking the release of Ismail Khan, an Afghan opposition figure jailed by the Taliban.

Key Takeaways:

• The negotiations at Stansted Airport in London have been ongoing for 20 hours, with the goal of securing the release of all hostages.
• 27 passengers have been freed, bringing the total number of those on board to 157.
• The hijackers have made no direct political demands, but reports suggest they may be seeking the release of Ismail Khan, an Afghan opposition figure jailed by the Taliban.
• The British Foreign Office is in direct touch with the Taliban leadership, despite not having diplomatic relations with Afghanistan.
• The negotiations are being conducted in English, and talks are ongoing despite the Taliban's supreme leader, Mullah Mohammad Omar, stating that they will not negotiate with the hijackers.

Statistics:

• 27 passengers have been freed from the airliner so far.
• 157 people are still on board, including the crew, unidentified hijackers, and four Taliban officials.
• The Afghan plane has traveled across Central Asia and Russia to reach Western Europe.
• The British Foreign Office has been in direct contact with the Taliban leadership for several days.
• The Taliban has described the hijackers as "terrorists" and stated that they will not accept their demands.

Sources:

• Reuters
• The Taliban's ambassador to Pakistan
• The British Foreign Office
• The University of Bradford
• The Afghan Islamic Press
• The Daily Telegraph (mentioned in original text)