US citizen reportedly kidnapped in Afghanistan

US officials are currently investigating claims that an American citizen was taken hostage in Afghanistan last week.

Clark Bowers, from Alabama, telephoned his wife last week to tell her he had been kidnapped while delivering medical supplies in the war-torn country.

Mrs Bowers contacted the US Government, which is now trying to determine what Mr Bowers was doing in Afghanistan.

"It sounded like he was on his own," a State Department spokesman said. "He was definitely not with a recognised international group."

The US Government had advised its citizens not to travel to Afghanistan because of anti-American sentiments and the lack of law and order in the country.