Russian pilots kidnapped in Darfur

Three Russian pilots have been kidnapped in Sudan's volatile Darfur region. Russia’s consulate office in the region confirmed the information.

The three Russian citizens were working for the Sudanese Badr Airlines when they were abducted by a group of armed men in the region’s largest town of Nyala, local media reported.

Sudanese security forces have stepped up efforts in the search for the hostages. Local army and police units have been engaged in an operation.

Russia’s consulate is keeping constant contact with the Sudanese authorities and is making all efforts possible to try free the Russian citizens.

The incident is the latest in a wave of kidnappings targeting foreigners in the violent region.