1 Wounded, Another Kidnaped in Somalia

A Pakistani U.N. peacekeeper was wounded by a stray bullet and a French aid worker was kidnaped Saturday in the lawless Somali capital of Mogadishu, a U.N. spokesman said.

Maj. Zubair Chattha said the Pakistani was being treated in the U.N. hospital. His condition was stable.

An aid worker with the French charity International Action Against Hunger was being held by gunmen who seized him at a traffic circle in Mogadishu.

The gunmen, believed to be former employees of the agency, were demanding a ransom for his release, the spokesman said, but gave no further details.

Acts of lawlessness have increased throughout the country. The United Nations has reduced its peacekeeping force in readiness for a complete pullout in March, to be aided by U.S. troops.