Russia begins Iraq evacuation

[Robbien]

Russia has started to evacuate former Soviet citizens from Iraq amid a wave of kidnappings targeting foreigners, a diplomat said.

"A first group of between 150 and 200 people left aboard a plane this morning at 7:00am (local time) heading to Moscow," said diplomat Dimitri Iline.

Five Ukrainians and three Russians were held hostage for around 24 hours earlier this week before being released without harm.

US-led coalition officials have said around 40 foreigners are being detained by Iraqi insurgents, who are demanding the withdrawal of international troops from the country.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s1088219.htm