North Korea's military has reportedly detained two female American journalists and their guide near its northern border with China.

A senior government official in Seoul said Thursday that Laura Ling and Euna Kim, reporters for the online media outlet Current TV, were detained Tuesday along the Yalu River while shooting footage of the North.

The official said a male reporter was also taken into custody but managed to escape. One of the detained is known to be an ethnic Korean.

The official added that it is not known yet exactly where and why the reporters were detained.

The official said that although it is aware of the situation, Seoul is not in a position to comment on the incident as it is a matter between the U.S. and North Korea.

Washington and Pyongyang have not yet given any official responses.