Militants in Iraq kidnapped an American, an Asian and four Arabs in Baghdad Monday, while another insurgent group killed the city's deputy governor.
Unidentified gunmen kidnapped the six people from the offices of a Saudi trade and contracting company. One company guard and one of the kidnappers were killed during the abduction.
Earlier Monday, the Army of Ansar al-Sunna says it killed Hatim Kamil in a drive-by shooting. It has also claimed responsibility for the recent execution of 11 kidnapped Iraqi National Guardsmen.
In other developments, Iraqi President Ghazi al-Yawar contradicted Iraqi interim Prime Minister Iyad Allawi and said he opposes a planned U.S.-led assault to on insurgents in Fallujah. Mr. Yawar said negotiators should continue dialogue with Fallujah leaders, until Iraqi troops are trained to replace U.S. forces massing outside the city.