Moscow: Eight Russians working on the construction site of a thermal power station in Iraq have been kidnapped in Baghdad, Interfax news agency reported today (Apr 13, 2004).

Russian Foreign Ministry has confirmed the report of abduction of eight Russian nationals employed by 'Interenergoservis' company, who were working at the construction of Nassiriyah thermal power plant since August last year.

The report, citing Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko, came hours after the Arab television channel al-Jazeera reported that 11 Russians had been seized last night during a clash in Baghdad.

"I confirm the fact of the abduction in Baghdad of eight of employees of the Interenergoservis company," Yakovenko was quoted as saying.

"The Russian Embassy in Baghdad is actively taking all necessary measures to bring about... the release of the hostages," he said.

There are about 200 Russian specialists currently working at various energy installations in Iraq.

The Russians, who were in Baghdad to repair power stations, were seized as they relaxed in the courtyard of their house in the Iraqi capital.

The agency said the eight were taken from their home by a group of armed, masked men. There are reports that two Iraqi guards may have been killed during the incident.

Their abduction follows the release of seven Chinese men kidnapped on Sunday near the city of Fallujah.