Two Turkish nationals abducted in Afghanistan

The men, who were not identified, were snatched late Monday as they were driving to their compound on the outskirts of the western city of Herat, the police spokesman for western Afghanistan told AFP.Â

"They were kidnapped by unknown armed men. Their Afghan driver, who was also their interpreter, was also abducted," said the spokesman, Abdul Rauf Ahmadi.

Police found their vehicle and their two passports in the area where they taken, which was about 10 kilometers (six miles) from city centre, he said.

The spokesman could not give further details, including which company the men had worked for. "We have launched an investigation and search operation," he said.

There have been numerous abductions for ransom in Herat, in Afghanistan and about 100 kilometers from the border with Iran.

Late last year, businessmen and professionals went on strike in the city for several days to protest a surge in abductions.

Kidnapping is also a threat in other parts of the country, with criminal gangs as well as Taliban-linked insurgents most often responsible.