Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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Iraqi Police Officials Say An American, Two Iraqis Kidnapped Near
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Basra
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=15A3F8E:A6F02AD83191E160387412D6080BDE429574F7DCC14957C0 Four Americans and
an Austrian who were abducted seven weeks ago near Basra still missing
Iraqi police officials say an American contractor and his two Iraqi
interpreters have been kidnapped near the southern city of Basra.

The officials say the three were seized Friday in an ambush north of
Basra. A spokesman for the U.S. embassy says the embassy is aware of
the reports and is investigating.

No further details were immediately available.

Four Americans and an Austrian who were abducted seven weeks ago near
Basra are still missing. Kidnappers released a video of them earlier
this week.



In other news, the U.S. military says Iraqi forces captured four
alleged terror cell leaders Wednesday in Baghdad's Sadr City
neighborhood, and one suspected terror cell leader in Ramadi Tuesday.

The military also says Iraqi troops freed two hostages in eastern
Baghdad Thursday, and seized a cache of weapons, including mortars,
improvised explosive devices, and projectiles encased in concrete.

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


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