Australian woman working for NGO in Afghanistan kidnapped in Kabul
An Australian woman working with a non-governmental organization (NGO) has been kidnapped in Afghanistan’s capital, Kabul, Australian officials say.
“The Australian Embassy in Kabul is making urgent inquiries into reports an Australian has been kidnapped in Kabul,” a spokesman for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said on Sunday.
The Australian ministry refrained from disclosing more information “due to the nature of the incident.”
However, Afghan local media said the Australian woman was abducted at gunpoint in the Qala-i-Fatullah area in the center of the city on Saturday.
Reports did not release her name.
This year alone, at least two other Australians were kidnapped in the country.
Kidnapping with the motive of later demanding ransom is an ever-looming threat for foreigners in Afghanistan.
The Taliban militants are the main culprits but the Daesh terrorist group, which has recently managed to gain a footing in Afghanistan, is also suspected.
Afghanistan has been gripped by insecurity since the US and its allies invaded the country and ousted Taliban as part of Washington’s so-called war on terror in 2001. Many parts of the Asian state still remain plagued by militancy despite the presence of foreign troops.
Deep-rooted historical and cultural maladies have fueled the insecurity as well, according to some observers.
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