Posted on 09/15/2004 11:17:08 PM PDT by budman_2001
Three Britons Abducted in Iraq The Associated Press Published: Sep 16, 2004
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BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Gunmen kidnapped three British nationals in the Iraqi capital Thursday, the Interior Ministry said.
The three were seized from their house in Baghdad's al-Mansour neighborhood at dawn, said ministry spokesman Col. Adnan Abdel-Rahman.
He could not give their identities or say who they worked for.
A British diplomat in Baghdad speaking on condition of anonymity was unable to confirm the report but said embassy officials were investigating.
A police official who also asked that his name not be used said a car was missing from the house were the Britons were allegedly taken.
Insurgents waging a 17-month insurgency in Iraq have kidnapped more than 100 foreigners in a bid to destabilize the interim authorities and drive coalition forces from the country. Many have been executed.
AP-ES-09-16-04 0204EDT
Pray for their safe return.
Amen
What is with these people who choose to work over there? Don't they have enough sense to arm themselves or hire guards? I know the money is good, no make that great, and I have no qualms with those who want to maximize their earning opportunities, but gosh it seems like they would take some extraordinary measures to protect themselves. Wouldn't it be great if they were undercover and each of them had a tiny tracking device on them? The bad guys might come for me if I were there, but they would sure be in for a surprise when they came through my door!
This is another attempt to try and sway our election...try to pressure an allie into abandoning us and give Kerry and his people more ammo.
I wonder how many terrorists in Iraq have gotten the crap kicked out of them by unwilling participants of kidnappings. Westerners have to know what awaits them should they ever be caught. It's seems at least by the MSM account that everybody is happily going to their own beheading.
There now saying 2 Americans and 1 British.----CNN
they mentioned that they contacted the american embassy to confirm the report, but haven't heard back yet.
ping
As a Brit living in Baghdad, I can tell you the situation is constantly changing. Up till two weeks ago the worst thing to have was lots of security and armoured vehicles because it made you a target. People in convoys, big SUVs, with armed guards were getting shot at or rpg'd far more than those keeping a low profile, moving about in battered taxis and living in a place where not many other westerners are. That might be about to change and we will need to go back to overt security.
There are a large number of westerners living in the green zone or in areas of American protection. But for those of us, like myself, who have to work in what is known as the Baghdad red zone at the moment it does seem like the sky is falling in -- at least in the past three weeks.
Traveling outside the capital used to be terrifying, now it's all but impossible. Given that they are nos snatching people from their homes and offices is a very disturbing development.
As far as I can see, many westerners have left, and very few now live in houses. The rest of us sit in hotels, which perioically are targetted by mortars, and wonder who is watching us each time we leave the hotel.
Yes the media does exaggerate the threat, but you are making Baghdad seem like a playground...
I'm assuming you have been to Baghdad by your comments, but I can tell you things have changed for the worse on a big scale since April.
Yikes! Be safe out there.
There is only one purpose for these abductions.
MEDIA ATTENTION
Don't give them any, and they'll stop.
HOW STUPID ARE WE?
Yes, be careful out there. I sometimes fear Iraq is a giant Tar-Baby covered in sand.
Points well taken! How nice to hear from someone who is actually there and knows what's what! My prayers are certainly with every person who is over there. I have no doubt that we will prevail. America certainly can't thank you enough for the support your country is providing in this all important war against terror. God bless you and keep you safe! Thanks for taking the time respond to my post.
thank you for kind words -- doubt I deserve them. Let us hope and pray that good will prevail here.
Of course it is not surprising that abductions like this are happening. Iraq has become the principal battleground in the war on terror. If we win here, we will strike a serious, serious blow at the terrorists.
But it will take time and it will be difficult to make sure the resolve f the politicians does not slip!
The contractors don't allow employees to arm themselves. If you are caught armed you will be fired and will have to make your own arrangements home on your own dime.
I guess that makes sense now that I think about it. I would just make it a point to show up at the house of my big boss about 2 AM expecting to sleep at this place since they can't assure me I'll be safe at the place they've put me! A few nights of that and I'll be they'd find someway to set my mind at ease!
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