Four American civilians were injured Saturday by a car bomb blast in Beiji, some 240 kms north of Baghdad, the AP reported. Two of them suffered minor wounds; the other two were taken to a military medical facility, the US military said.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy confirmed the name of an American contractor taken hostage six weeks ago in Baghdad, identifying him as Roy Hallums, a 56-year-old worker for a Saudi company that makes catering for the Iraqi army.

His wife, Susan Hallums of Corona, Calif., said in a telephone interview Friday that she has not heard from the kidnappers.

"I want to plead for his life and send out prayers and hope that he will be released," said Hallums.