Russian Air Crew Members Released In Darfur

Several foreigners have been abducted since Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir was indicted of crimes against humanity.

Sudanese state media say three Russian helicopter crew members kidnapped in Darfur two days ago have been released.

The three were working for the Sudanese Badr airlines but were subcontracted to the UN-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur when they were abducted on August 29.

There were no immediate details on their release.

More than 20 foreign aid workers and peacekeepers have been kidnapped in Darfur since the International Criminal Court last year issued an arrest warrant for President Omar al-Bashir for alleged war crimes in the conflict-torn western region.

All have been released amid reports of ransom being paid.

On August 30, an American woman working for a U.S. charity was released after more than 100 days in captivity.

compiled from agency reports