News / World
Al-Qaida group claims they killed two American soldier prisoners
An Al-Qaida group claims that they killed three American soldiers after they captured them last month during a mid-day ambush. One of the three men was found dead in the Euphrates, the other two still remain missing. U.S. Military Officials say that despite Al-Qaida’s claims, they will continue searching for the two soldiers.
The Al-Qaida group sent a video clip they claim is proof that the two American soldiers are dead. The video clip showed battle scenes at night and two identification cards belonging to the missing soldiers’ but did not show the two men. "Bush is the reason of the loss of your POWs" was written on the screen above the cards. The video also showed three men in masks’ around a map of the area, planning the attack. "I have urged you to bring me American prisoners," said one of the men who was identified as one of the groups leaders. The three soldiers went missing after their team was ambushed on May 12.
"The Americans sent 4,000 soldiers looking for them," a voice on the video said. "They were alive and then dead." The video offered no proof that the soldiers had been killed.
The voice said to blame the soldiers’ deaths on "the American Army and their leaders, who do not care for the feelings of the soldiers’ mothers." "And as you refused to deliver the bodies of our killed people, we will not deliver the bodies of your dead, and their end will be beneath the ground, Allah willing," the unidentified voice said.
The missing American soldiers were identified as Spc. Alex R. Jimenez, 25, of Lawrence Massachusetts, and Pvt. Byron W. Fouty, 19, of Waterford, Michigan.
After the attack a search was conducted for the missing men and the Islamic State of Iraq posted Web statements telling the Americans to call off the search "if you want their safety."
"We condemn the tactics used by these terrorists, and are using all means available to pursue those responsible," said chief military spokesmen in Baghdad, Brig. Gen. Kevin Bergner. "We continue to search and hope that our two missing soldiers will be found alive and in good health.
