One of the 12 Iranian engineers abducted in Afghanistan released

[News_Editor]

One of the 12 Iranian engineers abducted in Afghanistan released

2011-04-19 22:02:08 GMT+7 (ICT)

TEHRAN, IRAN (BNO NEWS) -- Iran on Tuesday announced that one of the twelve Iranian engineers, abducted recently in Afghanistan, was released, the IRNA news agency reported.

Iranian Ambassador to Afghanistan, Fada-Hossein Maleki, said efforts were underway for the release of the remaining eleven captive engineers. On Sunday, the 12 Iranian nationals were abducted by unknown gunmen in southwest Afghanistan.

The Ambassador added that the kidnappers released one hostage and allowed the others to contact their families. The 12 Iranian engineers were working on a road construction project in Farah province.

According to Maleki, the hostages are reportedly ion good health and the Iranian Embassy continues following up the case closely as well as cooperating with Afghan authorities.

"Intense efforts were made through continued contacts with the highest-ranking political and security officials of Afghanistan to secure the health and freedom of these individuals," added the Ambassador.

No group has claimed responsibility of the kidnapping which also included five Afghan workers. In the past, Taliban militants have abducted aid workers and government service members in the war-ton country.

"We also reminded the Afghan government of its grave responsibility for protecting the Iranian nationals and pursuing the case until their release," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast.

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