Iranians kidnapped in Iraq
2005-12-11 17:29
Durbai - An Iraqi insurgent group claimed on Sunday the kidnapping of four Iranians on a religious mission to the war-torn country, according to a video shown on the Dubai-based Al-Arabiya channel.
"Initial investigation confirmed they were dispatched on an official mission by the hawza (religious authority) in Qom," said the channel's anchorman reading a statement from the group calling itself the Saad bin Waqas Brigades.
The channel broadcast a clip from the video showing four men seated on the floor and holding against their chest what appeared to be identification cards under a large black banner bearing the group's name.
The insurgent group, which has previously claimed attacks on US and Iraqi forces, gave no motive for the kidnapping and made no demands, Al-Arabiya said.
- AFP