I think you may be right. Something about her story (if the media is reporting it right) doesn't add up. Especially changing the color of her hair - that's something an American would think of - not a Kyrgyz. Changing the hair color of an American woman wouldn't do a damn thing to disguise her. Plus, 3 guys and a woman? Very strange especially for Kyrgyzstan.
There are a dozen interesting things that don't add up. You are supposed to stay with a "buddy" when out of the compound...so she enters the store with her "buddy" and within three minutes...they agree to separate in the store. Seven minutes later...she is seen leaving the store (video tape confirms that part). The phone calls from the cellphone (two)? Seen getting into a cab or car by witnesses at the store? Seen around the bus station (which is an absolute corrupt cop and mafia junction in Bishkek)?
And I can add that I've actually met this major (over three years ago)...and she is very professional in conduct. The naive-scale might be a tad over average...but there isn't much you can say against her. And in terms of fitness...she probably ranks in the top 20 women in the entire AF...you don't run marathons unless you are absolutely in shape. So I'm at a loss on explanations presently. I will assume that she left the store for a very stupid reason, and that this entire episode...from her leaving the store, to the group of four...were all planned prior to the event.
Bottom line....for anyone traveling in the wild east of former Russia...once you leave the confines of the hotel area...you aren't exactly safe. You must assume a threat every single minute exists.