BASRA, Iraq, (Reuters) – Two Macedonian contractors have been kidnapped near the southern Iraqi city of Basra, the British military said on Saturday.

British military spokesman Major Peter Cripps said they were abducted on Thursday while driving in a vehicle during routine work.

“I can confirm that on the morning of Feb. 16 two Macedonians were abducted near Basra. The Iraqi police has been informed and is investigating,” he said.

Basra, Iraq’s second city, has been relatively free of the violence plaguing the central part of the country but it has witnessed kidnappings.

More than 200 foreigners and thousands of Iraqis have been abducted in the anarchy that followed the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.

Most foreign hostages have been released, but 54 are known to have been killed; more than 50 are still believed to be held.