Iraq militants claim to kidnap U.S. soldier

[Tigermike 3,053]

Iraq militants claim to kidnap U.S. soldier

On Internet site, captors threaten beheading

The Associated Press

BAGHDAD, Iraq - 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 mujahedeen 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.

© 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6894934/

[Auburn85 432]

Not to go on a tangent, but why would these so called IRAQI MILITANTS, worried about the release of women, where before they couldn't vote, be educated, or do much of anything.

[AURaptor 1,126]

It appears that this 'soldier' is more of a toy soldier than anything.

G.I. Joe doll fools world's Press.

[Auburn85 432]

Dang, I fell for that one

[bigsixfive 328]

Fark had a few links on that... Its a life sized GI Joe doll, and the 'captured american' is sporting the entire outfit. My question is, where do you buy the Real American Hero in the middle east?

[AURaptor 1,126]

Fark had a few links on that... Its a life sized GI Joe doll, and the 'captured american' is sporting the entire outfit.  My question is, where do you buy the Real American Hero in the middle east?

143501[/snapback]

How do we know it's life sized ? There's nothing in that photo that gives any perspective. Note the 'gun' being held to the soldiers head. No one's hand is shown holding it.

[AirForceforAU 0]

Its about the size of a GI Joe... They sell them at the PX in kuwait..