Friday, July 17, 2009
Ali Ibrahim added that the kidnapping might be linked to France's jailing of captured Somali pirates, who he said had relatives in the militia.
Previously, the pair had been separated and held by two groups -- Shebab, which is alleged to have ties with Al-Qaeda, and Hizb ul-Islam.
"The latest news we have is that the Shebab took the man by force this morning, just after midnight," Ali Ibrahim told the French television channel.
"Both are with the Shebab. As long as they're with the Shebab negotiations will be hard."
Ali Ibrahim said the kidnapping might be linked to France's jailing of captured Somali pirates, whom he said had friends in the Islamic militia.
"The demands are not clear. The main reason for the kidnapping is that certain Shebab have associates imprisoned in France, pirates," he said.
Fifteen Somali pirates are being held in France after being captured by the French navy in the Gulf of Aden. They are accused of taking part in the hijacking of two French yachts.
Source: AFP, July 17, 2009