(chinadaily.com.cn/Al-Jazeera)

    CAIRO, July 7 (Xinhuanet) -- An Iraqi group captured a Filipino as hostage and threaten to kill him if the Philippine government does not withdraw its troops from the country within 72 hours, accordingto a video broadcast by Al-Jazeera Arabic channel television.

    The Filipino abducted was reportedly employed by a Saudi company working with US troops based in Iraq. He was kidnapped by an armed group calling itself the "Khaled Ibn al-Walid Brigade" linked to the "Islamic Army in Iraq," Al-Jazeera said.

    Television footage showed a man sitting on his knees, dressed in an orange jump suit, and surrounded by three masked men touting guns and reading their threat from a statement.

    The group also said it had killed an Iraqi security guard who was with the Filipino.

    An identity card bearing the picture of an Iraqi and a company card on which was written: Hafidh H. Amer, Security Officer, was also broadcast by Al-Jazeera.

    The Philippines has about 50 military personnel in Iraq. Enditem