Afghan police say they are searching for two Italians and two Afghans who disappeared while visiting a dangerous area of western Afghanistan.

Authorities said Sunday they are investigating whether the four may have been kidnapped Saturday in the province of Herat.

Italy's Defense Ministry say two soldiers are missing, and their families have been informed.  The Ministry did not indicate whether the soldiers may have been kidnapped.

Earlier reports said the two Italians were believed to be journalists, and that the missing Afghans were an interpreter and a driver.  However, Italian officials say no journalists are missing.

Afghan authorities say the four were last seen Saturday in the Shindand district of Herat province.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.