Iraqi insurgents kidnap Japanese, Korean civilians updated 12:00 -PICTURE

[ConcernedCanuk]

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Iraqi insurgents kidnap Japanese, Korean civilians

Last Updated Thu, 08 Apr 2004 12:00:01

BAGHDAD - Violent clashes raged across Iraq on Thursday as insurgents turned to a new tactic by kidnapping three Japanese and eight South Koreans.

Japanese civilian detainees are seen in this image made from video. (AP / APTN photo)

By late Thursday, all the South Koreans had been released.

Al-Jazeera television aired a video showing armed militants from a previously unknown group calling itself the Mujahedeen Squadrons threatening to kill blindfolded Japanese hostages unless Tokyo withdraws its troops from Iraq.

The hostages were two aid workers and a journalist, according to Japanese media reports.

[ConcernedCanuk]

1. just a wee kick