Report: Three Americans kidnapped in Baghdad

Three Americans have been kidnapped in Baghdad by “militias,” according to Arab news channel Al Arabiya, citing its own sources.

The State Department said it is aware of the report and is working with Iraqi authorities to locate the missing Americans. Officials, however, would not confirm that anyone been kidnapped.

“We are aware of reports that American citizens are missing in Iraq,” State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement to The Hill.

“The safety and security of American citizens overseas is our highest priority,” he continued.‎ “We are working with the full cooperation of the Iraqi authorities to locate and recover the individuals.”

“Due to privacy considerations, I have nothing further.”

The reported kidnapping comes a day after four long-detained Americans were freed in Iran in a prisoner swap.

Several Republican presidential candidates have criticized the move, saying it will encourage American abductions.