Radio Sahar: Afghan police release two Iranians from kidnappers in Herat

Excerpt from report by Afghan female-orientated community Radio Sahar on 10 October

[Presenter] Two Iranian citizens have been released from kidnappers. According to the Herat Security Command’s press office, the kidnappers held the Iranian nationals for 15 days. Hami Azad has further details on this:

[Correspondent] Col Nur Khan Nikzad, head of the Herat Security Command’s press office, says the Iranian nationals come from Birjand District of Iranian Khorasan Province, adding that the abductors kidnapped them 15 days ago and transferred them to Ghowrian District of Herat Province.

Mr Nikzad said the police force launched an operation and released the abductees after getting information about their location in Ghowrian District. [Passage omitted: colonel's comments, repetition]

At the same time, it is said that the kidnappers managed to flee the scene, but the police have launched an investigation into the case.

The security forces have already released six other foreign nationals kidnapped and transferred to Herat Province since the beginning of the current year.

[Description of Source: Herat Radio Sahar in Dari -- local independent radio station in Herat run mainly by women.  OSC  IAP20071010950066 1230 GMT 10 Oct 07]