Four aid workers kidnapped in Iraq

Four humanitarian workers have been kidnapped in Iraq.

One Briton, two Canadians and another person believed to be an American were kidnapped, Canadian officials said.

Dan McTeague, parliamentary secretary for Canadians abroad, said the incident happened on Saturday, but refused to name the organisation the two Canadians worked for or the location where they were kidnapped.

The British Foreign Office said one of its citizens – Norman Kember – was involved in the incident, but provided no further details.

“We will be in touch with the Iraqi authorities, and with the other countries involved, the Americans and the Canadians. We will be setting in motion an urgent investigation,” said a British Foreign Office spokeswoman, who declined to be named.

McTeague said he would not release details on those captured to protect the safety of the individuals involved. He said the organisation they work for has not requested any assistance at this time. He did say the organisation contacted Canadian embassy officials in Amman, Jordan. Canada does not have an embassy in Iraq.

“Our ability to provide assistance is limited,” McTeague said.

Since April 2004, the Canadian government has advised its citizens, including humanitarian workers, not to travel to Iraq.