Iranian Kidnapped Diplomat in Yemen to Be Released Soon


TEHRAN (Tasnim) – An Iranian embassy staffer who was abducted in Sana'a back in July, 2013, is in good health and will be released soon, said Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for African and Middle Eastern Affairs Hossein Amir Abdollahian.

Extensive efforts have been made to help release Nour Ahmad Nikbakht, Amir Abdollahian said on Wednesday.

Back in May, Amir Abdollahian vowed to pursue the fate of the kidnapped diplomat and left for Yemen to consult with Yemeni foreign minister and security officials on the issue.

On July 21,2013, a group of armed men kidnapped Nikbakht in Yemeni capital of Sana'a at gunpoint, and took him to an unknown location.

No group has claimed responsibility for the abduction and the officials at the Iranian foreign ministry are working with Yemeni government to locate and release him.

In late January, a decapitated body was found in central Yemen which was believed to belong to Nikbakht. However, Tehran denied reports that the body was the Iranian diplomat’s.