The number of Japanese nationals in Iraq totaled 32 as of 1 p.m. Saturday, Japan time, with seven serving as human shields in protest of the U.S.-led war on Iraq, the Foreign Ministry said.

Senior Vice Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi told a news conference that the government had been able to contact all of the Japanese nationals in Iraq before the U.S.-led forces conducted a massive air bombardment Friday night but has not been able to confirm their safety since the start of the air strikes.

The number of Japanese in Iraq was up from 30 on Friday.