Iran said that two of five engineers abducted in Syria were freed, thanking Turkey for its efforts to secure their release.

Iran said that two of five engineers abducted in Syria were freed, thanking Turkey for its efforts to secure their release.

“With continuation of efforts and follow-up actions, these two Iranian engineers have been released and handed to the Embassy of the Islamic Republic in Ankara, and will soon set off for our country,” IRNA news agency quoted Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast as saying on Wednesday.

Mehmanparast further thanked “the Turkish government for its efforts in getting them released" adding that the Islamic Republic would continue its efforts to secure the release of all Iranian hostages.

Iranian media identified the two men released as Majid Qanbar Beedroomi and Ahad Sohrabi Kordabadi, but gave no information on the fate of the others.

Five Iranian engineers were said to have been working on an electricity plant near the city of Homs for Iran's Power Plant Projects Management Company when they were seized in late December.
Early reports said a total of seven Iranian engineers had been abducted near Homs -- five initially, then two others who had gone to search for them.

Several Iranian visitors have also been kidnapped in Syria and their fates remain unknown.

The Iranian government has called on Syrian authorities to secure the release and safe return of its nationals.