August 26, 2008
ISLAMIST insurgents in Somalia deny claims they are behind the kidnapping of Australian and Canadian journalists.
Australian Federal Police and extra diplomatic staff have been sent to Somalia to investigate the kidnapping of Nigel Brennan, reportedly by members of an armed militia.It's understood Brisbane-based Mr Brennan, 35, and Canadian freelance journalist Amanda Landhout, 26, were kidnapped at gunpoint about 25km from the Somali capital Mogadishu on Saturday.
They, and two Somalis accompanying them, were being held northeast of the capital, Mogadishu, by a militia group, the National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSJ) said on its website.
But a spokesman for Somalia's Islamist insurgents said it appeared to be the work of a fringe group.
"We don't know who kidnapped them. There is a (rebel) group which kidnaps for ransom, separate from rivals who have political objectives," Islamist spokesman Sheik Abdirahim Isse Adow said.
He said his group was investigating and would provide assistance to free the pair.
"We shall do all that is possible to save them," he said.
The journalists are believed to have been abducted as they came from interviewing and taking photos at a refugee camp in Afgoye district.
Friends and family of Mr Brennan are maintaining a vigil.
Long-term family friend Jeff Bennett said Mr Brennan's parents were desperately awaiting positive news.
"They are besides themselves and feeling helpless, but they are trying to stay positive," Mr Bennett told the Bundaberg News-Mail.
Mr Bennett said his children had lit a candle as a vigil for Mr Brennan while they waited for news.
"When he comes home, they will blow it out," he said.
Mr Bennett last heard from his friend about two weeks ago, when he said he was looking forward to catching up with his mates for "a beer and a fish".
Source: The Australian with Reuters
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