BEIRUT, December 17 (RIA Novosti) - The Russian embassy in Syria confirmed on Monday that two Russian nationals had been abducted near the western Syrian port city of Latakia.

“Two Russian citizens, who worked in the country, have been abducted near Latakia. The embassy takes search measures in close cooperation with the local authorities,” embassy spokesman Sergei Markov said.

He said that circumstances surrounding the abduction are being studied and refused to give any further details citing security concerns.

Italian media reported earlier on Monday that three steel mill employees, two Russians and one Italian, had been abducted near the Syrian city of Latakia. The Italian Foreign Ministry confirmed that an Italian national had been abducted.

No group has so far publicly claimed responsibility and the hostage-takers have, as yet, not made any demands.