In Iraq, 425 Foreigners Estimated Kidnapped Since 2003

In Iraq, 425 Foreigners Estimated Kidnapped Since 2003
Figure Far Exceeds Previous Assessments; Abduction of Iraqis Is Far More Common

By Ellen Knickmeyer and Jonathan Finer
Washington Post Foreign Service
Sunday, December 25, 2005; Page A28

BAGHDAD, Dec. 24 -- Insurgents and common criminals have kidnapped about 425 foreigners in Iraq since U.S.-led forces entered the country in 2003, a Western official in Baghdad said Saturday.

The official, who spoke to reporters on condition he not be identified further, was addressing an upsurge in the kidnappings of foreigners since October.

In Baghdad, a man reads a newspaper with an appeal by the families of 4 foreign aid workers held by insurgents. (By Faleh Kheiber -- Reuters)

Eighteen percent of the foreign victims have been killed, the official said. Of 40 Americans kidnapped, 10 have been killed, officials said.

The number of foreign kidnapping victims given by the official is much higher than the 250 people cited by some media organizations keeping a running tally. The reason for the discrepancy is not clear, although many foreign organizations do not publicize kidnappings for fear of worsening the situation.

more:http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/12/24/AR2005122400866.html