27/09/2010

UK Aid Worker Kidnapped

Security officials have reported that a UK aid worker and three local staff have been kidnapped in Afghanistan.

Their vehicles were stopped by armed men, in the eastern province of Kunar on Sunday.

The woman is thought to be a former UN worker currently employed by US aid group DAI. She is yet to be identified.

A spokeswoman for the Foreign Office confirmed the UK citizen was missing and added: "We are working closely with all the relevant local authorities. We are also in touch with the family and are providing consular assistance."

The US military is thought to be involved in the search along with tribal elders in the area.

Various armed groups operating in the area are not thought to be under government control.

Afghans and foreigners can be targeted by gangs seeking ransom money, but they are sometimes sold on to militant groups.

No-one has admitted carrying out the abduction.

(BMcN/KMcA)

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