By Prensa Latina,
Kabul : At least two French volunteers of Action Contre la Faim (Action against Hunger) mission were kidnapped in Afghanistan, the non-government organization confirmed on Saturday.
The kidnapping took place yesterday in Nili, in Day Kundi province, 186 miles west of Kabul, and they are both believed to be still alive, ACF said in a communique.
This confirmation coincides with a surprise visit by French Defense Minister Herve Morin to inspect French troops deployed in Kabul and other provinces in northwestern and southern Afghanistan.
ACF said unidentified armed men entered the house where the French cooperation workers were sleeping, kidnapped them and fled in several vehicles.
We are doing our best to get them released immediately and in the best possible conditions.
The identity of the kidnapped has not been revealed. According to the note, the purpose now is to maintain a reduced communication to preserve their safety and go on with contacts for their release.
Governor of Day Kundi province Sultan Ali Uruzgani described the responsible as enemies of the Afghan government, meaning Afghan rebels, whose actions have increased in the last few months despite the presence of 70,000 US-NATO troops.
ACF has been working in Afghanistan since 1995, but cut off operations now in the wake of the kidnapping, according to the note, which describes the action as criminal, as it affects the integrity of humanitarian workers and puts assistance to civil population in danger.