Report says Allawi’s relatives freed
Kidnappers have released two women relatives of Iraqi Prime Minister Iyad Allawi, two pan-Arab satellite channels broadcast today.
The Iraqi government said it had no knowledge of the release, however.
Allawi’s male cousin, Ghazi Allawi and his wife, as well as the prime minister’s pregnant daughter-in-law were kidnapped by gunmen on November 9 in western Baghdad.
A militant group, Ansar al-Jihad, claimed responsibility and threatened to behead them within 48 hours unless all detainees were released and the siege of Fallujah was lifted. The claim could not be authenticated.
Al-Jazeera TV, which is based in Qatar, quoted unidentified sources as saying the two women were freed in Baqouba, central Iraq.
Al-Arabiya, which is based in Dubai, reported that unidentified government officials had confirmed the women’s release.
Both channels said Ghazi Allawi was still a hostage.
In Baghdad, chief government spokesman Thaer al-Nakeeb denied any knowledge of the release.
Producers at both TV stations said their information was “100%” firm.
A producer at Al-Arabiya, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he expected to receive reports featuring the two women.
Prime Minister Allawi said on Saturday he was deeply concerned about the fate of his three relatives, but their abduction would not deter him from purging the country of militants.
Insurgents have kidnapped hundreds of Iraqis and more than 170 foreigners since Saddam Hussein’s regime fell in April 2003. Many kidnappers demand ransom, but some pursue political motives such as the withdrawal of foreign companies and troops from Iraq.
More than 30 foreign hostages have been killed.
