Seven Chinese kidnapped in Iraq

Seven Chinese citizens were kidnapped in Iraq by an armed group, according to Chinese media reports citing a Chinese diplomat in Baghdad. The unnamed diplomat was reported as saying that the group, whose members range in age from 18 to 49, was likely abducted in Fallujah, where US-led coalition forces have been attempting to quell an insurgency. The seven Chinese citizens are all men from Fujian province. Other foreign kidnap victims who had been released said that they saw seven Chinese hostages who appeared to be in good health and were not handcuffed. Chinese officials made no immediate comment.