Islamist group claims capture of 2 US soldiers in Iraq - report

AFX ^ | 08-22-03

[Brian S]

BEIRUT (AFX) - A previously unknown Islamist group claims to have captured two US soldiers in Iraq, Lebanon's LBCI satellite television reported showing what it said were photocopies of the pair's military identity cards.

The group, calling itself Fukat al-Madina al-Munawara, or Medina Faction, after the Muslim holy city in Saudi Arabia, named the two as Katherine Rose and Andrew Peters, and said that they had been taken in a clash in which two US soldiers were also wounded, LBCI reported.

There was no immediate independent confirmation of the claim.

newsdesk@afxnews.com

[Brian S]

This is running on AFX (UK financial wire service) and they are usually quite reliable.

Could find no other information on this other than this source.

Lets pray that its not correct.

[Jalapeno]

Reliable yes, remember they are calling it a "claim", not a fact.

I can remember a lot of "claims".

[Gabrielle Reilly]

This will certainly tighten the Saudi noose if correct.

[Coop]

I can remember a lot of "claims".

But I also remember claims like this that turned out to be true. Praying this isn't one of them.

[Jalapeno]

Yes, this is true. But remember that the war on terrorism also has a phsycological element, and that is how you are being attacked with this "news".

I would think ID cards would be easy to get/steal, if it is true, there should be footage or pictures of the captives.

I wouldn't wait to pray, for that should be done everyday in regards to the war, but I would wait to give it any credance.

[Ex-Dem]

Sky News is reporting the same thing.

[Coop]

I would think ID cards would be easy to get/steal, if it is true, there should be footage or pictures of the captives.

That's my view as well. [fingers crossed]

[Quilla]

Can you just imagine the horror of being a parent of a soldier in Iraq and hearing this news, complete with names? I pray it is not true.

God bless our troops.

[Jalapeno]

If it has been picked up by Sky News, then the majors are right now scurrying to find out if these two individuals exsist and where they are and if they can be reached.

[Brian S]

Your right. Here is the Sky News version:

---

TWO US SOLDIERS 'CAPTURED'

The Pentagon is looking into claims that two US troops - one a woman - have been captured by Islamic forces in Iraq.

A Lebanese TV station reported that the group, calling itself Fukat al-Madina al-Munawara, or Medina Faction, had captured the pair during a shootout.


LBCI showed what it said was photocopies of the soldiers' military identity cards.

The pair were named as Katherine Rose and Andrew Peters but the claim has not been verified.

A Pentagon spokesman said it was looking into the allegations

[boxerblues]

I hope this turns out to be false

[boxerblues]

I hope this turns out to be false

[Jalapeno]

Is there any way to move this to "breaking news" so we don't see duplicate threads?

[Monti Cello]

The group, calling itself Fukat al-Madina al-Munawara, or Medina Faction, after the Muslim holy city in Saudi Arabia,

Well, at least we know where to send the missiles.

[Jalapeno]

I see its there now. Nevermind.

[Ex-Dem]

I thought I already added the "Breaking News" topic. Check the main page?

[Migraine]

Interesting the new group of cowardly perps would choose the name "Medina": that is the very place I have advocated nuking since 9/12/01, at the instance of the very next major atrocity at the hands of Islam. A major atrocity would be on the order and level of 9/11, and would, were I in charge, result in the incineration of Medina, holding the crown jewel, Mecca, as a virtual hostage in perpetuity. Then, Islam would have to police itself; for without Mecca, they have no religion.

[mhking]

calling itself Fukat al-Madina al-Munawara

And up yours, too...

Seriously though, I hope this report is erroneous.

[Ex-Dem]

Ooops. Just saw your post.

[CaptRon]

The group, calling itself Fukat al-Madina al-Munawara

They'll certainly be fukat when we catch up with them.