In Iraq, Qatarians abducted

baghdad - Hunters from Qatar abducted in Iraq in December 2015 have been released. The abductors have transferred the 26 Qatars to the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, according to the BBC Friday.

The Qatarians, including members of the royal family, were hunting near the border with Saudi Arabia when they were kidnapped. The hostages would have been pulled through the desert area in a convoy of a few dozens of pickup trucks.

The Iraqi authorities have not said why the 26 Qatars were released. Nor was it known who was behind the abduction. Previously, international media suggested that shiite groups in Iraq might be behind hostage. They are strongly opposed to Qatar's support for Sunni rebels in Syria.