Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


American Aid Worker Kidnapped in Niger

by VOA News

   Gunmen have kidnapped an American aid worker in Niger.

   Officials say two of the worker's guards were killed in a confrontation
   with the gunmen Friday night.

   Authorities say the attackers took the American to neighboring Mali.
   That country's long, porous border has been vulnerable to armed
   violence in recent years.

   There has been no claim of responsibility for the abduction.

   No U.S. citizen had been kidnapped before in Niger where such a seizure
   of foreigners is rare.

   A U.S. embassy spokeswoman said an investigation is under way, but did
   not give further details.