German woman’s kidnap in Baghdad raises fears

The kidnap of a German woman in Baghdad, within sight of Iraqi security forces, has raised fears that foreigners may be targeted for abduction.

Hella Mewis, who has lived in Iraq since 2015, was seized on Monday within sight of a police station by gunmen driving a vehicle used by some security forces, an official said. Friends said her role in Iraqi civil society could have made her a target, suspecting her abduction was part of a campaign by Iran-backed militias.