"The work is going on without interruptions, we are coordinating every step with local authorities and relevant organizations," spokesman Artur Safukov said.
Two pilots from Russian airline UTair, contractors with a UN mission in Africa, were abducted on January 29. The airline confirmed the incident several days after the governor of the Central Darfur province first reported their disappearance.
The Russian Embassy told RIA Novosti later it was not informed on their whereabouts. It said it had information that the hostages are not hurt. The embassy is now trying to find out what the hostage-takers want.
A joint rescue mission is underway to secure the release of the pilots. An operations headquarters was set up in Sudan to coordinate action among Sudanese security services, the military prosecutor's office and regional authorities in Darfur.
Since 2003, Sudanese government troops have been fighting with rebel groups in western Sudan's Darfur region. Hostilities have continued to destabilized the area, leading to a surge in criminal violence, including robberies, home invasions and kidnappings.
