Two Libyans released in Somalia

They were seized while shopping at the city's main Baraka market. The diplomats' Somali driver was first freed and sounded the alarm.

Kidnappings are rare in Mogadishu but common in other parts of Somalia.

At least three other foreigners - two Spanish aid workers and a French reporter - have been abducted in Somalia in recent weeks.

All were freed after short periods. Few details were given but ransom demands are believed to have been made in the earlier cases.

The Bakara market is one of Mogadishu's most dangerous places, the BBC's Mary Harper reports.

It is a stronghold for Islamist insurgents and other opponents of the interim government, and is disrupted daily by clashes between the insurgents and Ethiopian soldiers supporting government troops.