IRAQ

CBS: 2 journalists missing in Iraq

BAGHDAD - The US television network CBS reported Monday that two of its journalists had gone missing in the predominantly Shiite southern city of Basra.

CBS said all efforts were under way to find the journalists. It did not name the journalists and requested "that others do not speculate on the identities of those involved" until more information was available.

"CBS News has been in touch with the families and asks that their privacy be respected," the network added in a brief statement.

Iraqi police and witnesses said the kidnapping occurred Sunday morning when about eight masked gunmen wielding machine guns stormed the three-story Sultan Palace Hotel.

In New York, the Committee to Protect Journalists said it was "deeply concerned for the safety of our colleagues, and hope they are located swiftly and able to resume their important work covering this critical story."

CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon said: "Iraq is the most dangerous country in the world for journalists and the deadliest conflict for the press in recent history. Journalists face incalculable risks in order to bring us the news about what is happening on the ground there."

Basra, Iraq's second-largest city 550 kilometers (340 miles) southeast of Baghdad, has seen fierce fighting between rival Shiite militias, evidence of a violent power struggle in the oil-rich south.

The British military, which turned over responsibility for the province to the Iraqis in December but maintains forces near the city, said it could not comment on the report.