More Kidnappings Reported In Iraq

29 November 2005 -- The spate of kidnappings in Iraq is continuing, as the U.S. military and the Iraqi police said today six Iranian pilgrims have been kidnapped by gunmen, together with their Iraqi driver and guide, near Balad, 75 kilometers north of Baghdad.

It was also reported today that a German woman has been missing in Iraq since 25 November. German media said she and her driver were taken hostage by militants, who are threatening to kill her unless Germany stops cooperation with the Iraqi government.

Berlin has sent a crisis team to Iraq to secure her release.

Meanwhile, the Christian Peacemaker Teams aid group today confirmed that four of its Western aid workers have disappeared in Iraq. It said the four were taken hostage on 26 November.

(with news agencies)