Al-Anbar Governor Kidnapped

11 May 2005 -- The governor of the volatile Al-Anbar province was kidnapped on 9 May, U.S. Lieutenant General James T. Conway told a Pentagon press briefing yesterday.

RFE/RL's Radio Free Iraq reported on 10 May that Governor Raja Nawwaf was kidnapped along with his son and four bodyguards while traveling between Al-Ramadi and Al-Qa'im.

Al-Arabiyah television cited the governor's brother as saying that the abductors have demanded the end of U.S. operations in Al-Qa'im.

Reuters reported on 11 May that Nawwaf was appointed governor just days ago.