Two foreign nationals - a Briton and a Kenyan- were abducted this morning by unknown gunmen between Saakow and Bu'aale in Middle Juba, southern Somalia.
Both men are employed by Genesys International Corporation Ltd of Bangalore, India, which was working for FAO, carrying out a survey of the Jubaand Shabelle rivers for purposes of flood control and irrigation management.
Witnesses on the ground say there was gunfire when the men were taken, but there is no information to suggest that any serious injury was sustained by either man.
Latest information suggests they are being held around the town of Jilib, and that clan elders and community leaders who do not condone such abductions are putting pressure on the perpetrators to release the men.
Further statements will be released as information becomes available.
For further information please contact Sue Morrell on +254 720 204 992 sue.morrell@undp.org or Dawn Blalock on +254 734 210 102 blalock@un.org.