BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- At least two members of Iraqi interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi's family have been kidnapped at gunpoint from their home in Baghdad, amid conflicting reports from government officials and sources close to the family.
A group called Ansar al-Jihad has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping on a Web site.
The group demanded the release of all Iraqi prisoners and an end to the attacks on Falluja within 48 hours. It said the hostages would be beheaded if its demands were not met.
Ansar al-Jihad has made several claims for attacks before, but this is its first claim for kidnapping.
The prime minister's office Wednesday said it was aware of the abduction of two family members -- Allawi's cousin, Ghazi Allawi, 75, and his cousin's daughter-in-law.
An Allawi adviser and a source close to the family said three family members were abducted.
They went missing after a group of gunmen raided the home, said Allawi adviser George Sada. Authorities have not received any demands for their release.
Ghazi Allawi's bodyguards informed Allawi of the kidnapping, Sada said. It was not clear if the house was secured at the time of the kidnapping Tuesday.
Allawi spokesman Thair Naqib said the kidnapping "is another terrorist attack but it will not defeat the government's battle against terrorism and efforts to bring security and stability to Iraq."
Hundreds of Iraqis have been kidnapped by criminal gangs in a wave of abductions in recent months, with more wealthy individuals such as doctors and businessmen most regularly targeted. Most are released after the payment of ransom.
Over the same period, scores of foreigners have been seized, with many of them handed over to Islamic militant groups who have threatened to kill them if demands are not met.
More than 35 foreign hostages have been killed, according to The Associated Press, several by beheading.
CNN's Kianne Sadeq, Kevin Flower and Ayman Mohyeldin contributed to this report.
It was a nice--if fictional--democracy they had once.
Anyone remember the thread on what Bush would do if his daughters were kidnapped? If this goes badly we might get an answer soon...
"Gunslinger indeed. Quick draw, Bob. Quick draw." --Count Chocula
"Unquestionably, Dr. Who is MUCH lighter in tone than WH40K. But then, I could argue the entirety of WWII was much lighter in tone than WH40K." --Broomstick
"This is ridiculous. I look like the Games Workshop version of a Jedi Knight." --Harry Dresden, Changes
"Like...are we canonical?" --Aaron Dembski-Bowden to Dan Abnett
If Allawi has any balls, he won't negotiate. That's what got Iraq in the mess it was in the first place, stupid Philippines negotiating for the release of their people without taking the whole situation into consideration. I hate to say it, but would a man have decided to go the compassionate route rather than the right road? No.
Nothing against women. Just as long as women have the courage to make choices for the greater good, then fine.
