Bandits Take Hostages In Southeastern Iran

August 19, 2007 -- Bandits blocked a road in southeastern Iran, opened fire at passing vehicles, and took a number of people hostage today, Western news media reported, citing Iranian news agencies.
Reports say police surrounded the area near the city of Chabahar in Sistan va Baluchistan Province.

Iran's semi-official Fars and ISNA news agencies reported that as many as 30 people were taken hostage.

But the country's official IRNA news agency, quoting a local police chief, says two people were kidnapped.

(Reuters, AFP)