Iraqi's threaten to burn hostages

[Skunk]

I just saw on Al'Jazeera a report that the group holding the Japanese will free them by the end of tommorow in response to a joint request by Iraq's leading clerics. I hope it turns out to be true.

[Dreamer128]

Fate of Japanese hostages unclear despite Fallujah truce

There are conflicting reports on the fate of three Japanese hostages who were kidnapped earlier this week. Japanese media quoted reports from the Arabic television station al-Jazeera saying they had been released following mediation by Muslim spiritual leaders. But the Japanese government has declined to confirm their whereabouts or condition.

Al-Jazeera has also shown video footage of two United States citizens in Fallujah who appear to have been shot, but it is not clear who they are. Several other foreign hostages, including two Germans, are also still being held.

US troops says they are to withdraw from Fallujah, where fierce fighting has killed 450 people and injured more than 1,000 in the past week. A 12-hour ceasefire took effect on Sunday morning in the city following negotiations between delegates of the Iraqi Governing Council and Sunni insurgents. News of the truce prompted a stream of civilians to flee the city.

A US helicopter has been shot down west of Baghdad. There is no word yet on the fate of the crew.

(Source: rnw.nl)