Two aid workers abducted in southcentral Somalia

Unknown gunmen have abducted two aid workers and a driver in south central Somalia, an international charity confirmed on Friday.

Save the Children said the two staff and a driver were kidnapped by unknown gunmen on Thursday whilst working at an outpatient therapeutic centre in the Hiran region.

"Save the Children is aware of an incident that resulted in two staff and a driver being taken by an unknown armed group on Feb 23. The two staff were taken whilst working at an outpatient therapeutic centre in the Hiran region of South Central Somalia," it said in a statement.

The charity has not established the motive behind the abduction of its staff but local sources have blamed the insurgents who had earlier banned aid agencies from operating in their strongholds.

Save the Children expressed concern about the wellbeing of the two workers and appealed for their immediate return, saying they are very committed humanitarian workers who provide lifesaving help for children suffering from malnutrition.

"Our priority is ensuring the safe return of these two staff to their families and we do not have any further information at this time," it said.

"Save the Children remains committed to supporting the population of Somalia on both its emergency response activities and the long-term development work."

The Islamist militant group, Al-Shabaab which is fighting to topple the Western-backed government has been targeting humanitarian workers for political gain, sometimes demanding ransom in order to free the hostages.

The humanitarian community says the volatile security situation continues to impact on civilian lives and create a challenging environment for the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Endit