Two Bulgarians are the latest foreigners to be kidnapped. Arabic-language satellite channel has broadcast a video of the handcuffed hostages surrounded by armed masked men.

Their captors are threatening to kill them if United States forces does not free Iraqi prisoners within 24 hours.

The video is said to be from Abu Musab al-Zarqawi's group; the US says he is al-Qaeda's leader in Iraq.

A Filipino was kidnapped in Iraq earlier this week and a South Korean, last month. He was beheaded after South Korea went ahead with plans to deploy troops in Iraq.

Source: CRI