Russian Diplomat Killed, Four Others Kidnapped
June 3, 2006 -- Unidentified gunmen killed a Russian diplomat and kidnapped four Russian Embassy employees in Baghdad today.
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement issued in Moscow that the assailants attacked a Russian diplomatic car that was carrying staffers of the Russian foreign service. The statement said the ministry is working with Iraqi and international authorities to secure the release of the abductees.
The body of the diplomat was taken to a Baghdad morgue. The diplomat was not identified.
Officials say the gunmen used at least two vehicles to block off the street in the upscale neighborhood where the Russians were driving.
They say the gunmen then opened fire, fatally wounding one before abducting the others.
(AP, AFP)