Search for Missing Soldiers Intensifies

[Ghost in the Machine]

Published: 5/15/07, 11:25 PM EDT
By ROBERT H. REID
BAGHDAD (AP) - U.S. aircraft dropped leaflets seeking information about three U.S. soldiers feared captured by al-Qaida, as troops intensified the search Tuesday despite a warning from the terror group that the hunt will endanger the captives' lives.

The U.S. command said the searchers were trying to isolate areas where they suspect the captives may have been taken after the pre-dawn ambush Saturday in which four American troops and an Iraq soldier were killed.

"The captors don't have freedom of movement," said Maj. Kenny Mintz of San Diego. "If they have the soldiers, they can't move them from where they are. We're doing a deliberate search of the areas."

On Monday, an al-Qaida front group - the Islamic State of Iraq - warned the Americans in a Web statement to call off the hunt "if you want their safety."

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[illinoisprogressive]

1. I personally think they died horribly and they may never find them.

[kurth]

2. Yep. There will be a video

but the kidnappers ain't stupid.

[Monkeyman]

3. I hope for their families sake your wrong

[Ghost in the Machine]

4. Hope for the best, but fear the worst.....

it's all I can do...

[sleipnir]

5. Or they are about to die horribly.

I think they may still be found, but I don't know if they will be found alive.

It sounds like they may have them and are indeed trapped, as the commander suggests.

This puts a dangerous spin on the situation and opens up the door of desperation.

May they be found soon and alive.

[Ghost in the Machine]

6. kick