An American, Two Iraqis Kidnapped Near Basra

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. - VOA News