Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman announced that the eleven kidnapped Iranian visitors have been released censuring the “wrongful” abductions of the citizens by unidentified groups in Syria

Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast has announced on Tuesday that the eleven kidnapped Iranian visitors have been released censuring the “wrongful” abductions of the citizens by unidentified groups in Syria.

Mehmanparast told reporters at his weekly press conference that a total number of 11 visitors have been freed through cooperation with friendly countries adding that the abductions of Iranian nationals cannot bring legitimacy to any groups or individuals. There are still another 11 visitors kidnapped in addition to seven engineers whose fate is still unknown. Iranians were visiting the holy Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque in southern Damascus.

Such moves are aimed at disrupting security and peace in Syria, the Iranian spokesperson assured, adding that these efforts run counter to human principles and international regulations.

The rebel Free Syrian Army last month claimed it was holding five Iranian military officers in Homs. It was not clear whether the five referred to were among the seven abducted engineers or were a separate group.