Saddam Hussein’s chief lawyer today implored world leaders to prevent the United States from handing over the ousted leader to Iraqi authorities for execution, saying the former dictator should enjoy protect from his enemies as a “prisoner of war".

Four American security contractors and one Austrian remain in captivity after their kidnapping in southern Iraq six weeks ago, the US Embassy said today.

Iraqi forces searching for four Americans and an Austrian who were kidnapped in southern Iraq detained about 200 suspected insurgents, police said today.

An Austrian security guard taken hostage with four Americans was killed and one of the American captives seriously wounded, Iraqi police said today.