Bandits take 30 hostages in southeast Iran-report

TEHRAN, Aug 19 (Reuters) Armed bandits blocked a road in southeastern Iran, opened fire at passing vehicles and took 30 people hostage today, Iran's ISNA news agency said.

Iranian police surrounded the area where the hostages were believed to be held near the city of Chabahar in Sistan-Baluchestan, a volatile province known for frequent clashes between Iranian security forces and drug smugglers and other criminals.

The IRNA news agency earlier reported that two were taken hostage but said details were still not clear.

REUTERS RKM VC1552