WAR: Gunmen Abduct Oil Executive in Iraq., page 1

Fahmi Saber who is employed by the state-run Northern Oil Company has been abducted as he was inspecting damage to a sabotaged pipeline in northern Iraq near Samarra. Ten gunmen told Saber's driver the reason for the abduction was because Saber was aiding Prime Minister Iyad Allawi steal public goods. The kidnapping has been confirmed by an oil ministry official.

www.news.com.au
"Fahmi Saber, who is in charge of security of the oil pipeline network for the Baiji area, was kidnapped on Saturday by 10 armed men," Majid Mamnun, the director of the Baiji refinery pipeline network, told AFP.

Saber was taken near the restive town of Samarra, he said.

Iraq's oil minister said Saturday that insurgents are hoping to disrupt planned January elections by sabotaging oil wells to try to create a fuel shortage and drive up fuel prices.

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Ten gunmen to confront two people indicates a well planned attack involving possibly two vehicles, or perhaps a minibus. This further indicates that Fahmi Saber was targeted due to his 'status' and therefore would be regarded as a highly valued abductee.

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[edit on 12-12-2004 by sanctum]