[08. 40 GMT] Bid to free Iraqi female captives (Al-Bawaba, Jordan); Bodyguards shot dead as kidnappers seize more foreigners (Times Online, UK ); In Iraq, Kidnapping to Make Political Statement, Profit (ABC News USA). Iraqi official calls for release of women prisoners (Guardian, UK) - An Iraqi government official today urged the US military to release women prisoners but denied the plea was part of attempts to free a kidnapped journalist. Also from the Guardian: Official US agency paints dire picture of 'out-of-control' Iraq and Torture flights: what No 10 knew.