Austrian hostage killed in Iraq clash-Arabiya TV

DUBAI, Nov 17 (Reuters) An Austrian hostage was killed in a shootout between US forces and kidnappers in southern Iraq today, Al Arabiya television reported, quoting an Iraqi security source.

An Iraqi security source contacted by Reuters said he was unaware of such an incident.

Al Arabiya said five people were killed and an American hostage was wounded in the clash, which came a day after four Americans and an Austrian were abducted when the civilian convoy they were guarding was hijacked.

REUTERS PDM HT1945