Al Qaeda’s front group warns the US to back off its massive search for the three American soldiers the group claims to have captured
The US military confirmed its belief for the first time Monday that al Qaeda was holding the men missing after an attack Saturday, May 12, that killed four other American soldiers and an Iraqi interpreter near Mahmoudiya south of Baghdad.
The attack included three roadside bombs. The Islamic State of Iraq stated on its Web site: “Your soldiers are in our hands. If you want their safety, do not look for them.” The statement called the attack retribution for the alleged rape and murder of a 14 year old girl a year ago.