Mauritania security forces undergo shake-up

Nouakchott - Dozens of senior security officers were replaced or moved to other positions in Mauritania, officials said Saturday, in response to the kidnapping of three Spanish aid workers. Those being shuffled or moved out of the forces are said to have had responsibilities in the area where the Spaniards were seized on November 29.

On Wednesday, Mauritanian President Mohammed Ould Abdel-Aziz dismissed the head of the country's national police force, who also had security duties in the district.

Spanish government officials could not confirm information which came out earlier this week that the three aid workers had been located.