Gunmen kidnap 45 Shi'ites from Iraq's Najaf

NAJAF, Iraq, Aug 1 (Reuters) Gunmen kidnapped 45 Shi'ites from the Iraqi city of Najaf as they travelled home past the Sunni rebel stronghold of Ramadi yesterday, the Governor of Najaf said today.

They were abducted along highway 160, one of Iraq's most dangerous roads, said the governor, Asa'ad Sultan. Police could not immediately confirm the kidnappings.

REUTERS SBA KN2355