South Sudan rebels say they have abducted 2 Indian engineers

Duo will be held until a decision is made by opposition leader Riek Machar, who is in exile in South Africa

In this February 1, 2014 file photo, South Sudan’s rebel leader Riek Machar talks on the phone in his field office in a rebel-controlled territory in Jonglei State, South Sudan. South Sudanese rebels have said they have kidnapped two engineers and the duo will be freed only after Mr. Machar, who is in exile in South Africa, makes a decision to that effect.

South Sudan’s armed opposition says it has abducted two Indian engineers and accused them of working with the government.

It was not clear when the abduction in the oil-rich Upper Nile state occurred. The East African country has been devastated by three years of civil war, and its oil industry is a key source of income.

Opposition spokesman William Gatjiath Deng said Saturday the two Indian nationals would be held until a decision is made by opposition leader Riek Machar, who is in exile in South Africa.

Ransom unlikely?

Another opposition spokesman, Mabior Garang, says ransom or other demands were unlikely because they would be “would be inconsistent with our objectives.”