Militants in Iraq have murdered kidnapped Italian journalist Enzo Baldoni, who disappeared last week, Pan-Arab television station Al-Jazeera reported.

Italy’s foreign minister appeared on the Al-Jazeera satellite television to appeal for the release of an Italian journalist held hostage in Iraq.

REBEL forces inside the Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf were warned yesterday they have “hours to surrender” or face attack from US and Iraqi forces.

Italy’s government insisted Tuesday it will keep its troops in Iraq despite a demand by militants holding an Italian journalist hostage that Italian forces pull out within 48 hours.

Italian journalist Enzo Baldoni, who has been missing in Iraq since last week, has been kidnapped by militants, according to a video broadcast on the pan-Arab Al-Jazeera television station.

An Italian freelance journalist remained missing in Iraq today, authorities said, amid reports that his Iraqi interpreter may have been found dead.