Filipino troops 'see' US hostage

Military officials in the Philippines say soldiers have seen a woman who they believe is an American missionary kidnapped by rebels eight months ago.

They say the woman, thought to be Gracia Burnham, was seen on the southern island of Basilan just over a week ago, shortly before a gunbattle broke out between Abu Sayyaf rebels and soldiers. With her was a second woman.

Mrs Burnham was abducted, along with her husband, who's also a missionary, and a Filipina nurse in May last year.

Troops from the United States this week began training with the army in the Philippines, in what the Americans say is a new phase of the campaign against international terrorism.

The acting US ambassador, Robert Fitts, said the aim was to eliminate Abu Sayyaf, which is accused of having links with Osama bin Laden.

Mr Fitts said the group was a scourge that had terrorised local people and killed foreign hostages.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service