A terrorist group linked to al Qaeda says it has kidnapped two US soldiers in Iraq.
In a statement posted on the internet, it was claimed the pair were snatched near Yusufiya.
American and Iraqi forces have been searching for two soldiers who went missing after an attack on a checkpoint near Yusufiya on Friday.
One solider was killed in the attack.
The internet message said: "Your brothers in the military wing of the Mujahideen Shura Council kidnapped two American soldiers near Yusufiya.
"We will provide you with more details about the incident in the next coming days."
The authenticity of the statement could not be verified and no proof has been offered.
A website often used by Islamist militants carried the message.
The Council is an umbrella body composed of al Qaeda in Iraq and some other Sunni Islamist militant groups.
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Prayers for your soldiers.
God knows they won't have panties put on their heads, but something much worse.
God, please protect them from these animals.