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Kidnapped Iraqi deputy oil minister set free
AFP
BAGHDAD
Petroleumworld.com 08 29 07
Iraq's deputy oil minister and five of his colleagues snatched by a well-organised gang two weeks ago were set free unharmed on Tuesday, a government official said.
"They are in good health," oil ministry spokesman Assim Jihad told AFP.
Deputy Minister Abdel Jabar al-Wagaa and his colleagues were abducted in a raid on a secure compound in Baghdad on August 14 by gunmen in security force uniforms.
The kidnappings were described by Oil Minister Hussein al-Shahristani at the time as a "skilful operation."
More than 100 gunmen in 20 government vehicles had raided the offices of SOMO, the state crude oil marketing firm, during a visit by Wagaa, indicating the gang was well organised, Shahristani said.
The kidnap was only the latest in a series of high-profile assaults by Baghdad's notorious kidnapping gangs, which are reportedly linked to both rogue security force elements and Shiite militia groups.
Wagaa is a Shiite with no political party affiliation and officials said when he was abducted they believed the motive was for ransom.
Ministry spokesman Jihad declined to comment on whether any ransom had been paid or reveal any other details of the release of the minister.
AFP 28 1138 GMT 08 07
Copyright© 2007 AFP. All rights reserved.
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