Group claims to have kidnapped two Turkish drivers in Iraq

Saturday, October 16th 2004, 9:21 am

By: News On 6

BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) _ A group identifying itself as the Islamic Brigade in Mosul claimed to have kidnapped two Turkish drivers on a highway near Mosul, the group said in a video released Saturday.

A compact disc issued by the group had a video showing two men sitting on the floor with three masked and armed men behind them. The two hostages made statements in Turkish. The disc was received by The Associated Press on Saturday.

One of the kidnappers said the Turkish government must order the company where the two men worked to leave Iraq or they will be killed.

One of the men shown was large and bald with a gray beard. The other man was short and compact with gray hair. Both appear to be in their 40s.

A written statement issued with the disc said the two men would be killed within 72 hours of the video being broadcast.

Insurgents in Iraq have kidnapped more than 150 foreigners in their campaign to drive out coalition forces and hamper reconstruction. Most have been kidnapped for ransom and freed unharmed, but at least 30 have been killed by their abductors, including six Turks _ the most recent, a truck driver beheaded in a video released Thursday.