BAGHDAD, Nov. 15 (Xinhuanet) -- Two relatives of Iraqi Prime Minister Ayad Allawi, who were kidnapped last week, have been released and a third relative still remains in captivity, said a spokesman for Allawi on Monday.

   The two women relatives of the prime minister were released on Sunday, but there was still no word on Allawi's cousin, said the spokesman, without giving further details.

   On Nov. 9, a first cousin of Allawi, the cousin's wife and his daughter-in-law were kidnapped from their house in western Baghdad.

   Allawi, who leads the current Iraqi interim government, was the latest victim of the rampant wave of abduction. Over 170 foreigners and relatives of wealthy figures have been kidnapped in Iraq for political or financial purposes during the months-long chaos and deteriorated situation.

   The bold abduction followed the start of a joint US-Iraqi major offensive last week to wipe the insurgents off Fallujah, a long-time rebel bastion since the war started in March last year.

   A militant group, calling itself Ansar al-Jihad (Partisans of Holy War) claimed responsibility for the abduction and threatened to kill the hostages if Allawi didn't order a withdrawal from the besieged Fallujah.  Enditem