HOSTAGE RESCUED IN SALMAN PAK

MULTI-NATIONAL FORCE-IRAQ
COMBINED PRESS INFORMATION CENTER
Press Release A070215a

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Coalition Forces rescued an Iraqi citizen during an operation Wednesday in the Salman Pak area targeting al-Qaida terrorists and an associated vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices/IED network.

During the operation, Coalition Forces found a male Iraqi citizen shackled in one of the rooms of a targeted building. Ground forces detained four males who were found hiding near the building. During a search, Coalition Forces found the hostage’s cell phone on one of the detainees. The detainees are being held for questioning to determine their involvement in the hostage taking.

According to the hostage, he was tied up with a hood over his head for three days. He said he had prayed and fasted the entire three days because he believed he was going to be executed by his captors.

The man was transported to a nearby military medical facility for an examination. Coalition Forces will continue to work closely with Iraqi officials to ensure terrorists and those who commit crimes against the Iraqi people are brought to justice under the Iraqi justice system.