Iraqis free kidnapped British journalist

British journalist Richard Butler kidnapped two months ago in Basra has been rescued, Iraqi forces said today.

Basra security commander General Mohan al-Fireji said the journalist who works for US TV network CBS was rescued in a raid by Iraqi troops who also captured his kidnappers.

Mr Butler and his Iraqi interpreter were kidnapped in mid-February. The interpreter was later released.

Mr Butler was found during an Iraqi military operation in the Jibiliya area, a Shiite militia stronghold.

The Iraqis launched a crackdown last month against Shiite militias in the city.

Iraqi forces have recently started house-to-house searches for arms, weapons, drugs and criminal elements in several parts of the city.

The military said it has uncovered an improvised explosive device factory, along with significant arms caches and numerous roadside bombs, mortars and rocket-propelled grenades.