Posted on 02/01/2005 11:22:09 AM PST by Peach
BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Iraqi militants claimed in a Web statement Tuesday to have taken an American soldier hostage and threatened to behead him in 72 hours unless the Americans release Iraqi prisoners.
The posting, on a Web site that frequently carried militants' statements, included a photo of what appeared to be an American soldier in desert fatigues seated with his hands tied behind his back.
A gun barrel was pointed at his head, and he is seated in front of a black banner emblazoned with the Islamic profession of faith, "There is no god but God and Muhammad is His prophet."
A U.S. military spokesman in Baghdad, Marine Sgt. Salju K. Thomas, said he had no information on the claim but "we are currently looking into it."
A statement posted with the picture suggested the group was holding other soldiers.
"Our mujahadeen heroes of Iraq's Jihadi Battalion were able to capture American military man John Adam after killing a number of his comrades and capturing the rest," said the statement, signed by the "Mujahedeen Brigades."
"God willing, we will behead him if our female and male prisoners are not released from U.S. prisons within the maximum period of 72 hours from the time this statement has been released," the statement said.
The claim, carried on the Web site ansarnet.ws, could not be verified.
More than 180 foreigners have been kidnapped in the past year. At least 10 of them, including three American civilians, remain in the hands of their kidnappers.
The only American soldier known to have been taken hostage is Pfc. Keith M. Maupin, 20, of Batavia, Ohio, who was shown in a video in April being held by militants. Another video aired in June showed what purported to be Maupin's slaying, but the picture was too unclear to confirm it was him and the military still lists him as missing.
Marine Cpl. Wassef Ali Hassoun went missing in Iraq in June and later photos surfaced on Arab television showing him blindfolded with a sword to his head. In July he made his way to the U.S. Embassy in Beirut. Back in the United States, he said he had been captured, but in December he was charged with desertion for the incident.
I just heard CNN Radio News and they're STILL not reporting that's it possibly (DEFINITELY) a hoax! DAMN... these guys need to catch a clue!
I fear for Snoopy..
Highlarious! Those sorrry terrorist bastards are HURTING BAD!
LMAO!
I sent the photos to Drudge too, but someone got their first cause as soon as I finished it was already up.
And the AP didn't pick this up huh??
I wonder if Peter Jennings will lead his evening news about this kidnapped soldier ??
Now ur thinkin'......
I've e-mailed it to FNC. Post #200 has the addresses.
But I think it would be helpful if lots of freepers e-mailed them; one itty bitty e-mail in the midst of all their other mail won't get their attention.
Did you hear about the new 'Divorce Barbie' coming out soon?
She comes with all of Ken's stuff.
Don't know about Jennings, but I bet this story makes The Grapevine tonight!
Aaaaw. Well, Drudge and CNN and a host of others just published reports without ANY kind of research and she took one look and viola!
LMAO! My stomach is hurting from laughing!
I wonder if the "talking heads" will have the Ann Coulter doll on tonight for her reaction?
Make "that's it" "that it's"... Man, I sure hate those typos!
You owe me a new monitor.
I have injured myself laughing. I am going to be so soooore to tomorrow.
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