Washington confirmed that a U.S. national was kidnapped along with another foreign aid worker from northern Somalia earlier this week.
The Danish Demining Group, in statements posted on its Web site, confirmed that two foreign nationals were kidnapped this week from northern Somalia.
The Danish Refugee Council, which includes the demining group, confirmed their identities as Jessica Buchanan, 32, and Poul Hagen Thisted, 60, a Danish national.
The U.S. State Department, in a statement, confirmed the abduction.
"We are working with contacts in Kenya and Somalia to ascertain further information and have been in contact with the individual's family to provide all appropriate consular assistance," the statement read.
The DRC called on the media to show respect and restraint on the matter.
A series of kidnappings from the region prompted the Kenyan military to send its forces into Somalia to take on rebels of al-Qaida's affiliate al-Shabaab.
U.N. officials had said the security situation in the region, notably the rise in the number of kidnappings, was hampering humanitarian work in Somalia, which is struggling with a devastating drought.
"In a difficult time, where the Somali people are already facing extreme difficulties due to conflicts and drought, it is essential to secure access for humanitarian assistance to the people in need," the DRC said.
Source: United Press International
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