Four humanitarian workers kidnapped in Iraq

Four humanitarian workers, including two Canadians, have been kidnapped in Iraq, a Canadian government official said Sunday.

Dan McTeague, parliamentary secretary for Canadians abroad, said the incident happened on Saturday, but refused to name the organization the two Canadians worked for or the location where they were kidnapped.

He said he wouldn't release those details in order to protect the safety of the individuals involved.

McTeague said the organization has not requested any assistance at this time.

There are reports that the other two workers are British and American, but McTeague could not confirm it.

The British foreign office said it was aware of the reports of a missing Briton and was investigating it.

McTeague said the organization contacted embassy officials in Amman, Jordan. Canada doesn't have an embassy in Iraq yet.

"Our ability to provide assistance is limited," McTeague said.

The Canadian government has advised since April of 2004 that Canadians, including humanitarian workers, should not to travel to Iraq.

"Under no circumstances are Canadians encouraged to travel to Iraq at this time. The situation remains both dangers and volatile," McTeague said. "This stands as one of the many reasons why we've discouraged Canadians."

At least four Canadians have been kidnapped since 2003, including a man who was killed in August.

Hundreds of foreigners and Iraqis have been seized by insurgents fighting to drive U.S.-led forces out of the country.

Canada has not contributed troops to the coalition forces in Iraq, AP reported. V.A.