October 20, 2003	Monday	Sha'aban 23, 1424

FALLUJA, Oct 19: An AFP photographer and a Reuters cameraman were detained here for several hours on Sunday by Iraqi policemen who said they were acting on orders from the US military.

AFP Middle East photo chief Patrick Baz said he and his colleague, Hamza al-Badri, were arrested as they covered the aftermath of an attack on a US convoy in this flashpoint city.

The two were held at the Falluja police station before being transferred to the US army’s 82nd Airborne Division base where they were released more than five hours later.

“Police told us they could not release us until American officers come here,” Baz said by telephone from the Falluja police station.

He said the police officers, none of whom would reveal their names, explained that the Americans were looking for someone who allegedly filmed the attack that caused the explosion of a vehicle apparently carrying ammunition.

Baz and his colleague went to the police station after being told the local commander would hold a news conference about the attack. Once they arrived they were informed of their detention.—AFP