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Coalition Forces Rescue Italian, Polish Hostages
American Forces Information Network ^ | 6/8/2004 | Sgt. 1st Class Doug Sample, USA

Posted on 06/08/2004 4:28:43 PM PDT by Excuse_My_Bellicosity

WASHINGTON, June 8, 2004 -- Coalition forces rescued four civilian hostages today south of Baghdad, military officials reported.

Three Italians and one Pole were rescued, Army Lt. Gen. Ricardo S. Sanchez, Multinational Force Iraq commander, said during a Baghdad news briefing.

They were Salvatore Stefio, Umberto Cupertino and Maurizio Agliana of Italy, and Jerzy Kos of Poland.

The kidnappers executed another Italian hostage, Fabrizio Quattrocchi, soon after the April 12 kidnapping. His execution was videotaped and played back on Arab television.

The general said the hostages were in coalition forces control and are in good health. All the hostages were rescued at the same location, and some individuals were detained at the site, the general said, though he did not provide an exact number or the nationalities of those captured.

Citing security considerations, Sanchez did not give details of the operation or confirm who carried out the kidnapping. But he did say there was "no reported exchange of gunfire" and that the rescue was not the result of any negotiations.

"This is a great day for the released hostages, for the families, for Italy, for all of us," said Italian Ambassador Gianludovico de Martino.

"The operation that led to the release of the hostages is the result of strong cooperation that has been established since the beginning between the Italian authorities, the (Coalition Provisional Authority) and the coalition forces. On behalf of the Italian government, I would like to thank the coalition forces and the CPA for their cooperation and their effort."


TOPICS: Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events; War on Terror
KEYWORDS: hostages; iraq; italianhostages; rescue
There's a lot of stories out there about the hostages being "freed", as if the enemy did it out of the kindness of their hearts. "Freed" nothing, they were rescued by American soldiers. This is the real deal here.
1 posted on 06/08/2004 4:28:43 PM PDT by Excuse_My_Bellicosity
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To: Excuse_My_Bellicosity
"Freed" nothing, they were rescued by American soldiers.

Well, they were 'Freed' by coalition forces, so it's accurate, but I see your point.

Now... let's see how big a deal the New York Times makes of this. Any bets?

2 posted on 06/08/2004 4:40:33 PM PDT by Starve The Beast (I used to be disgusted, but now I try to be amused)
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Comment #3 Removed by Moderator

To: Excuse_My_Bellicosity
But he did say there was "no reported exchange of gunfire" and that the rescue was not the result of any negotiations.

This sounds at least similar to the recent action involving Scots and ragheads; they sliced and diced the vermin with bayonets, and there were no reported "negotiations", either.

I can dream, can't I.

Stinking sandmaggots.

4 posted on 06/08/2004 4:43:38 PM PDT by MarineDad (Nobody ever came to regret or ruin by NOT trusting muslims.)
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To: Excuse_My_Bellicosity

Does anybody remember the American soldier that was also taken hostage? Any word on him? He was shown alive with those thugs standing behind him stating his name etc. He was 20 years old, has a wife and a baby. He was in the same convoy as the contractor that later escaped. I just don't remember his name.


5 posted on 06/08/2004 4:46:15 PM PDT by Mon
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To: Excuse_My_Bellicosity

WOW! MSNBC said this afternoon that the hostages had been "released"! Wouldn't want to give the United States armed forces any credit now would they?


6 posted on 06/08/2004 4:53:34 PM PDT by Ragirl (Vote in '04 ! Those who sit on their hands end up with poop on them.)
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To: Mon

His name is Matthew Maupin. I believe he is from Iowa. I am really starting to worry about what has become of him since it has been almost a month since that video came out.


7 posted on 06/08/2004 6:27:06 PM PDT by LoudRepublicangirl (loudrepublicangirl)
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To: LoudRepublicangirl

Thanks for his name! He is not mentioned anymore whatsoever.............


8 posted on 06/08/2004 11:56:55 PM PDT by Mon
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To: Mon

No problem. I have not heard his name mentioned in the news anymore either and that is what concerns me. I think our media and certain members of our senate have their values totally screwed up when they are obsessing over pictures of Iraqi's with panties on their heads when we have a brave young man being held. I would like to remind them that if it were not for young men like Matthew Maupin they would not be able to lead the lives that the lead. They need to get with the program.


9 posted on 06/09/2004 5:50:47 AM PDT by LoudRepublicangirl (loudrepublicangirl)
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