Several Americans Missing In Iraq

“The safety and security of American citizens overseas is our highest priority”, he added.

The men, who have not been named, were seized by militants while they were still inside the apartment in Baghdad’s Dora suburb, the colonel told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Iraqi security forces have carried out a search campaign in the surrounding neighborhoods, looking for the kidnapped, while an investigation has been launched into the incident, said Maan whose command is responsible for security in the Iraqi capital.

A source told CNN two of three missing contractors are dual Iraqi-American citizens, and the third is an American national.

Dubai-based news channel Al Arabiya said on Sunday that three U.S. nationals had been kidnapped with their translator.

The U.S. Embassy confirmed Sunday that “several” Americans had gone missing in Iraq, after local media reported that three Americans had been kidnapped in the Iraqi capital.

A map of Baghdad shows the neighborhood of Dora, where the three American citizens were reportedly taken.

Both American forces and Shiite paramilitaries are battling IS, but relations between the two sides have been tense, especially due to fighting between them in the years after the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq.

The US State Department said it was working to track down the individuals, said to be “contractors or trainers” employed by US companies at Baghdad’s airport.

Iranian-backed Shiite Muslim militia fighters – seen as a bulwark in the fight against the Islamic State group – have a heavy presence in that part of the predominately Sunni district. Attacks in recent years have forced more and more families to leave the area.

There have been no immediate claims of responsibility. NBC reported they may have been taken from a vehicle. “We fought them before and we are ready to resume fighting”, said Jafar Hussaini, spokesman for the Iraqi Hezbollah Brigades, one of the most powerful Shiite militias.

Last month, a group of Qatari hunters, including members of the ruling family, was kidnapped in the Iraqi desert.