O/T Two Australians kidnapped in Iraq: report (Breaking News)
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O/T Two Australians kidnapped in Iraq: report (Breaking News)
AFP
Two Australians kidnapped in Iraq: report
News agency Agence France Presse (AFP) is reporting a claim by Iraqi militants that they have taken two Australians hostage and they are threatening to execute them.
The statement, allegedly from the Islamic Secret Army, says two Australians and two Asians have been kidnapped.
The statement was delivered in the Sunni Muslim bastion of Samarra today.
The statement gives Canberra a 24-hour deadline to end its interests in Iraq or see the hostages executed, but there was no immediate confirmation of the ultimatum's authenticity.
"One of our brave brigades ambushed civilian cars belonging to the American army on the motorway from Baghdad to (the main northern city of) Mosul," said the statement dated Monday.
"It took four prisoners, two Australians and two east Asian nationals who were working as security contractors for important people," it said.
"We tell the infidels of Australia that they have 24 hours to leave Iraq or the two Australians will be killed without a second chance."
-- AFP
=========================================
Two Australians kidnapped in Iraq: report
News agency Agence France Presse (AFP) is reporting a claim by Iraqi militants that they have taken two Australians hostage and they are threatening to execute them.
The statement, allegedly from the Islamic Secret Army, says two Australians and two Asians have been kidnapped.
The statement was delivered in the Sunni Muslim bastion of Samarra today.
The statement gives Canberra a 24-hour deadline to end its interests in Iraq or see the hostages executed, but there was no immediate confirmation of the ultimatum's authenticity.
"One of our brave brigades ambushed civilian cars belonging to the American army on the motorway from Baghdad to (the main northern city of) Mosul," said the statement dated Monday.
"It took four prisoners, two Australians and two east Asian nationals who were working as security contractors for important people," it said.
"We tell the infidels of Australia that they have 24 hours to leave Iraq or the two Australians will be killed without a second chance."
-- AFP
=========================================
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My prayers and thoughts go to the two hostages and their families.
The agony they are going through is horrific. It is something no one should have to endure.
We pray and hope that they are released safely and quickly.
The agony they are going through is horrific. It is something no one should have to endure.
We pray and hope that they are released safely and quickly.
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......this belongs in Jetblast.
The inevitable has happened. Hope they get out in one piece as did the French recently kidnapped.
Anyone working there must realise the risks?? These fanatical pieces of **** have nothing to lose, killing anyone they can find whilst happily calling out the name of God. What scum.
Will be interesting to see the reaction of the leftists here to the actions of these maggots especially if they follow through on their threats.
I wonder what else the forces of evil have planned for election time.
"our prayers also." Are you a praying man? I ask because I find it interesting how often prayers are mentioned at times like these when the average aussie doesn't give a hoot about church.
Anyone working there must realise the risks?? These fanatical pieces of **** have nothing to lose, killing anyone they can find whilst happily calling out the name of God. What scum.
Will be interesting to see the reaction of the leftists here to the actions of these maggots especially if they follow through on their threats.
I wonder what else the forces of evil have planned for election time.
"our prayers also." Are you a praying man? I ask because I find it interesting how often prayers are mentioned at times like these when the average aussie doesn't give a hoot about church.
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Goodonya biscuit chucker. What's your point... Are you trying to score points?? 
Whatever... 
"Why not post good wishes"?? What does the above sound like?
Yorat wat...
Would be great to see some footage of these guys having just escaped like Thomas Hamill, the American truckie who was captured and got away a few days later. Profound sympathies to the families although I'm sure nothing will make them feel better until their loved ones are safe again.
Whatever...
Hope they get out in one piece
Yorat wat...
Would be great to see some footage of these guys having just escaped like Thomas Hamill, the American truckie who was captured and got away a few days later. Profound sympathies to the families although I'm sure nothing will make them feel better until their loved ones are safe again.
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Glad you liked it. I borrowed it from some Pom in Mil Forum and thought I could claim it as my own over here.
Don't know when the 24hr countdown began but I sure hope these captives get out intact. What a ****ful thing to be going through. Not every captive has been executed so there's still hope.
Don't know when the 24hr countdown began but I sure hope these captives get out intact. What a ****ful thing to be going through. Not every captive has been executed so there's still hope.
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My hopes go out to the safe release of these two Aussies as
well.
I can see this becoming a political bombshell during the elections
on the future of Australia staying the coarse in Iraq. It will most
likley split people in all directions as to how they would have voted.
well.
I can see this becoming a political bombshell during the elections
on the future of Australia staying the coarse in Iraq. It will most
likley split people in all directions as to how they would have voted.
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Tues "The Australian"
Ultimatum to Howard: pull out within 24 hours or hostages die
Correspondents in Samarra
September 14, 2004
TWO Australians reportedly have been kidnapped in Iraq and threatened with execution within 24 hours unless John Howard withdraws Australian troops from the war-torn country.
The Australians, said to be security guards, were apparently taken, along with their two Asian clients, by the Sunni Muslim insurgent Islamic Secret Army on the highway between Baghdad and the northern city of Mosul.
If confirmed, the kidnapping, which follows last week's bombing of the Australian embassy in Jakarta, will throw the Australian election campaign into further turmoil and provide the electorate with a sharp focus on national security. Opposition Leader Mark Latham has promised to bring home the troops by Christmas if elected.
The statement handed out in the Sunni insurgency bastion of Samarra last night gave Canberra a 24-hour deadline to end its interests in Iraq or see the hostages executed. But there has been no confirmation of the statement's authenticity.
"One of our brave brigades ambushed civilian cars belonging to the American army on the motorway from Baghdad to Mosul," the statement says.
"It took four prisoners, two Australians and two East Asian nationals, who were working as security contractors for important people.
"We tell the infidels of Australia that they have 24 hours to leave Iraq or the two Australians will be killed without a second chance.
"The Prime Minister must announce the withdrawal personally if he is concerned about his two citizens."
A spokesman for Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said Canberra was moving heaven and earth to investigate the claims.
"We have no more information," the spokesman said. "Obviously, through the department, we are checking this out as a matter of priority.
"We are in contact with our embassy in Baghdad and obviously other contacts in Iraq."
The self-styled Horror Brigades calls itself the northern armed wing of the Secret Islamic Army, whose Holders of the Black Banners unit claimed the execution of two Pakistani hostages in late July. Earlier this month, an Egyptian, three Indian and three Kenyan truck drivers were freed six weeks after they were taken hostage by the Black Banners brigade. They were released after the kidnappers repeatedly had changed their demands and extended deadlines set for killing the seven.
Mr Downer made clear his disappointment at President Gloria Arroyo's decision in July to withdraw The Philippines' 51-strong contingent from Iraq in exchange for the life of truck driver Angelo de la Cruz.
Mr Downer and Mr Howard have made it quite clear in the past that they will not negotiate with terrorists, even if it would mean the death of an Australian hostage.
Australia has about 920 troops in the region, but on the ground in Iraq there are only about 300 soldiers guarding the diplomatic precinct in Baghdad and training the Iraqi army and navy.
The World Socialist website reported in May that as many as 40 former members of the Australian Special Air Service, who served during the war, were working in Iraq as security guards.
Italy launched a fresh diplomatic drive yesterday to save the lives of two women hostages -- aid workers Simona Pari and Simona Torretta -- threatened with execution in Iraq, sending Foreign Minister Franco Frattini to Kuwait after being criticised for not doing enough to save the life of an Italian journalist, Enzo Baldoni, kidnapped and executed by the Islamic Army last month.
Italy, a key US ally in Iraq, has rejected a purported 24-hour ultimatum from an Islamist group that is threatening to kill the two women if Rome does not with withdraw its 3000 troops.
The group that kidnapped Baldoni is holding two French journalists hostage. Their fate remains unknown.
Scores of nationals from more than two dozen countries have been kidnapped since April, when guerillas embarked on new tactics to force foreign troops and firms to leave Iraq. About two dozen foreign hostages have been killed, some of them beheaded.
AFP
============================================
Ultimatum to Howard: pull out within 24 hours or hostages die
Correspondents in Samarra
September 14, 2004
TWO Australians reportedly have been kidnapped in Iraq and threatened with execution within 24 hours unless John Howard withdraws Australian troops from the war-torn country.
The Australians, said to be security guards, were apparently taken, along with their two Asian clients, by the Sunni Muslim insurgent Islamic Secret Army on the highway between Baghdad and the northern city of Mosul.
If confirmed, the kidnapping, which follows last week's bombing of the Australian embassy in Jakarta, will throw the Australian election campaign into further turmoil and provide the electorate with a sharp focus on national security. Opposition Leader Mark Latham has promised to bring home the troops by Christmas if elected.
The statement handed out in the Sunni insurgency bastion of Samarra last night gave Canberra a 24-hour deadline to end its interests in Iraq or see the hostages executed. But there has been no confirmation of the statement's authenticity.
"One of our brave brigades ambushed civilian cars belonging to the American army on the motorway from Baghdad to Mosul," the statement says.
"It took four prisoners, two Australians and two East Asian nationals, who were working as security contractors for important people.
"We tell the infidels of Australia that they have 24 hours to leave Iraq or the two Australians will be killed without a second chance.
"The Prime Minister must announce the withdrawal personally if he is concerned about his two citizens."
A spokesman for Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said Canberra was moving heaven and earth to investigate the claims.
"We have no more information," the spokesman said. "Obviously, through the department, we are checking this out as a matter of priority.
"We are in contact with our embassy in Baghdad and obviously other contacts in Iraq."
The self-styled Horror Brigades calls itself the northern armed wing of the Secret Islamic Army, whose Holders of the Black Banners unit claimed the execution of two Pakistani hostages in late July. Earlier this month, an Egyptian, three Indian and three Kenyan truck drivers were freed six weeks after they were taken hostage by the Black Banners brigade. They were released after the kidnappers repeatedly had changed their demands and extended deadlines set for killing the seven.
Mr Downer made clear his disappointment at President Gloria Arroyo's decision in July to withdraw The Philippines' 51-strong contingent from Iraq in exchange for the life of truck driver Angelo de la Cruz.
Mr Downer and Mr Howard have made it quite clear in the past that they will not negotiate with terrorists, even if it would mean the death of an Australian hostage.
Australia has about 920 troops in the region, but on the ground in Iraq there are only about 300 soldiers guarding the diplomatic precinct in Baghdad and training the Iraqi army and navy.
The World Socialist website reported in May that as many as 40 former members of the Australian Special Air Service, who served during the war, were working in Iraq as security guards.
Italy launched a fresh diplomatic drive yesterday to save the lives of two women hostages -- aid workers Simona Pari and Simona Torretta -- threatened with execution in Iraq, sending Foreign Minister Franco Frattini to Kuwait after being criticised for not doing enough to save the life of an Italian journalist, Enzo Baldoni, kidnapped and executed by the Islamic Army last month.
Italy, a key US ally in Iraq, has rejected a purported 24-hour ultimatum from an Islamist group that is threatening to kill the two women if Rome does not with withdraw its 3000 troops.
The group that kidnapped Baldoni is holding two French journalists hostage. Their fate remains unknown.
Scores of nationals from more than two dozen countries have been kidnapped since April, when guerillas embarked on new tactics to force foreign troops and firms to leave Iraq. About two dozen foreign hostages have been killed, some of them beheaded.
AFP
============================================
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All Australians accounted for: Downer
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer says all of the Australians working in Iraq have been accounted for, despite claims by a militant group that it has taken two Australians hostage.
A group calling itself the 'Horror Brigades of the Islamic Secret Army' says it has captured two Australians, along with two Asians, on the highway from Baghdad to the main northern city of Mosul.
The group, which has been involved in previous kidnappings of foreigners, has given Prime Minister John Howard 24 hours to end Australia's involvement in Iraq or the hostages will be executed.
The claim has been made in a statement issued by the group in the town of Samarra, which is a stronghold for Sunni Muslim insurgents in north central Iraq.
"We tell the infidels of Australia that they have 24 hours to leave Iraq or the two Australians will be killed without a second chance," the statement said.
"The Prime Minister must announce the withdrawal personally if he is concerned about his two citizens."
The statement does not name the hostages or offer any photographic proof of their capture.
Mr Downer says further checks are being made.
"So far we have been unable to find any Australians missing," he said.
"We have 88 Australians in Iraq who are registered with the Australian embassy there and none of those 88 is missing - they've all been accounted for.
"There are four companies that employ Australians that we're aware of and they've been contacted.
"One of those companies is going to go back and clarify."
A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs says it has activated its crisis centre to bring together experts from various areas to act as a task force.
A similar crisis centre was activated after the Bali bombings in 2002.
The Horror Brigades of the Islamic Secret Army has been linked to a number of kidnappings in Iraq.
Most notoriously, it claimed responsibility for the slaughter of 12 Nepalese workers in Iraq at the end of last month.
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer says all of the Australians working in Iraq have been accounted for, despite claims by a militant group that it has taken two Australians hostage.
A group calling itself the 'Horror Brigades of the Islamic Secret Army' says it has captured two Australians, along with two Asians, on the highway from Baghdad to the main northern city of Mosul.
The group, which has been involved in previous kidnappings of foreigners, has given Prime Minister John Howard 24 hours to end Australia's involvement in Iraq or the hostages will be executed.
The claim has been made in a statement issued by the group in the town of Samarra, which is a stronghold for Sunni Muslim insurgents in north central Iraq.
"We tell the infidels of Australia that they have 24 hours to leave Iraq or the two Australians will be killed without a second chance," the statement said.
"The Prime Minister must announce the withdrawal personally if he is concerned about his two citizens."
The statement does not name the hostages or offer any photographic proof of their capture.
Mr Downer says further checks are being made.
"So far we have been unable to find any Australians missing," he said.
"We have 88 Australians in Iraq who are registered with the Australian embassy there and none of those 88 is missing - they've all been accounted for.
"There are four companies that employ Australians that we're aware of and they've been contacted.
"One of those companies is going to go back and clarify."
A spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs says it has activated its crisis centre to bring together experts from various areas to act as a task force.
A similar crisis centre was activated after the Bali bombings in 2002.
The Horror Brigades of the Islamic Secret Army has been linked to a number of kidnappings in Iraq.
Most notoriously, it claimed responsibility for the slaughter of 12 Nepalese workers in Iraq at the end of last month.
Let's hope this is right, and that it's an empty threat.
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Typical psyco babble from the fundamentalist morons. They DO NOT have ANY ozzies captive, just as they are not remotely in verse with a single chapter of the Koran (Qur'an). Everthing these dilusional sub human skanks espouse is shear gutter trash. Good riddance to all of them. I think we all know Mr Howard will not resile himself from his position over there.
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Itchybum,
what do you have against someone praying for another when there is a time of crisis?
To answer your question: Yes, I am and yes, I did.
I agree with you that my comments here on this forum are unlikely to matter much to the families involved. Nevertheless, while I am unable to make much of a difference in the personal situation of any hostages, I believe that God can.
I'll bet those same hostages (if it is in fact confirmed that they are hostages as that appears to be unclear at the moment) and their families would find some comfort if they knew there was people upholding them in prayer in a situation like that, regardless of whether they give a hoot about church or not.
Woomera, I will endeavour to not make any further remarks on this matter but I was challenged with a direct question which I won't hide from.
Apologies to all other readers - no intent was on my behalf to make a religious debate out of this situation or this forum.
TJ
what do you have against someone praying for another when there is a time of crisis?
To answer your question: Yes, I am and yes, I did.
I agree with you that my comments here on this forum are unlikely to matter much to the families involved. Nevertheless, while I am unable to make much of a difference in the personal situation of any hostages, I believe that God can.
I'll bet those same hostages (if it is in fact confirmed that they are hostages as that appears to be unclear at the moment) and their families would find some comfort if they knew there was people upholding them in prayer in a situation like that, regardless of whether they give a hoot about church or not.
Woomera, I will endeavour to not make any further remarks on this matter but I was challenged with a direct question which I won't hide from.
Apologies to all other readers - no intent was on my behalf to make a religious debate out of this situation or this forum.
TJ
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These sick heartless cowards that are doing the kidnapping make me sick.The way they take unarmed civilians and threaten to kill them if thier demands which they know are not going to be met just use this as an excuse to kill and shock people back home.
Yesterday was the deadline for the two Italian women being held.At the time of writing this there has been no word on thier fate.My heart goes out to the Aussies and thier families.Hopefully they will not lose hope and have faith that either the kidnappers come to thier senses (not likely) or some sort of deal or solution can be reached short of meeting thier demands which for obvious reasons CAN NOT!!! be done.
Yesterday was the deadline for the two Italian women being held.At the time of writing this there has been no word on thier fate.My heart goes out to the Aussies and thier families.Hopefully they will not lose hope and have faith that either the kidnappers come to thier senses (not likely) or some sort of deal or solution can be reached short of meeting thier demands which for obvious reasons CAN NOT!!! be done.
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Stumbled across a website a couple of weeks ago that was showing the actual footage of some of the beheadings. Unfortunately I was sad enough to take a look at one of them. God, am I sorry that I ever did that!
And NO, I dont have the URL anymore...
And NO, I dont have the URL anymore...
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SMH
September 14, 2004 - 7:39PM
Four men from a team of six Australian bodyguards remained unaccounted for in Iraq, a Perth security firm said today.
Australian Professional Bodyguards (APB) special operations director Frank Halliwell said two of the six men, who always worked together, had contacted their families in Perth this afternoon.
A further four men - two from Perth and two from Sydney - remained unaccounted for but Mr Halliwell said he was no longer concerned for their safety.
_________________________________________
TurbineJunkie I never said I have anything against praying, did I? Try to relax and re-read the post.
But personally I don't see the point in prayer. If God has a "plan", why's he going to change it just because you ask Him to? A lot of hostage situations have ended very badly recently despite 1000s of man-hours of concerted prayer. I suppose it makes the individual feel better and that's something.
But it does seem ironic especially since the arseholes who carry out these kidnappings all reckon God is on their side.
say8tonsjoyce (ironic choice of name here) in this case, the alleged captives were armed.
But hopefully this kidnapping claim will turn out to be more
bullsh!t from these scum because so far, no names have been released by the "Horror Brigade".
"Horror Brigade"... Sounds like a right bunch of c***s.
Leave the USMC there for a while longer and the problem might eventually disappear.
September 14, 2004 - 7:39PM
Four men from a team of six Australian bodyguards remained unaccounted for in Iraq, a Perth security firm said today.
Australian Professional Bodyguards (APB) special operations director Frank Halliwell said two of the six men, who always worked together, had contacted their families in Perth this afternoon.
A further four men - two from Perth and two from Sydney - remained unaccounted for but Mr Halliwell said he was no longer concerned for their safety.
_________________________________________
TurbineJunkie I never said I have anything against praying, did I? Try to relax and re-read the post.
But personally I don't see the point in prayer. If God has a "plan", why's he going to change it just because you ask Him to? A lot of hostage situations have ended very badly recently despite 1000s of man-hours of concerted prayer. I suppose it makes the individual feel better and that's something.
But it does seem ironic especially since the arseholes who carry out these kidnappings all reckon God is on their side.
say8tonsjoyce (ironic choice of name here) in this case, the alleged captives were armed.
But hopefully this kidnapping claim will turn out to be more
bullsh!t from these scum because so far, no names have been released by the "Horror Brigade".
"Horror Brigade"... Sounds like a right bunch of c***s.
Leave the USMC there for a while longer and the problem might eventually disappear.
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Sunfish
I don't quite get what it is you're trying to say here, but regardless of what you're "not trying to say", you sure are suggesting a few things. Nice bloke you sound like. 
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Sunfish,
I cannot believe for one moment that anyone from the organization you subtly alluded to above would give you the time of day much less relay any factual information.
Oh really? Been there have we? Spoken to the locals? Have first hand experience? I doubt it very much.
Your post is offensive to say the least.
Sunfish, just remember, you are the same tw@ who tried to impress us with your minute by minute account of your pre GFPT training in the thread about the Sunshine Coast accident.
Looks like Skygod's younger b@stard brother has learned to use the computer.
Spoken to a mate who has been in Iraq and was also a funny defence person.
However these "Security" guards have not endeared themselves to the local population.
Your post is offensive to say the least.
Sunfish, just remember, you are the same tw@ who tried to impress us with your minute by minute account of your pre GFPT training in the thread about the Sunshine Coast accident.
Looks like Skygod's younger b@stard brother has learned to use the computer.
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I had the utmost pleasure a bit over a week ago to share a flt from here to the west with some of the lads heading that way. I mean members of the defence force, not individuals in another scheme. These guys were being sent at extremely short notice because of a 'situation' over there. How unsettling that must be for their loved ones.
It is a very sad indictment on the world that there is a place for mercanaries.
What is even sadder is that there are people around who speak on subjects that they know absolutely jack$hit about.
It is a very sad indictment on the world that there is a place for mercanaries.
What is even sadder is that there are people around who speak on subjects that they know absolutely jack$hit about.