Special forces free European hostages

Three Italians and a Polish contractor kidnapped in Iraq have been freed by US special forces, the commander of the Polish-led multinational force said today.

“A Polish citizen was freed by special forces. His life and health are not threatened,” said General Mieczyslaw Bieniek in Iraq.

“Three other persons of Italian citizenship were also freed,” he added.

Polish Foreign Ministry spokesman Boguslaw Majewski said American forces freed the hostages, but that he had no further details.

The Italian government confirmed to state news agency ANSA that three of its citizens were freed.