Multi-National Corps – Iraq
Public Affairs Office, Camp Victory
APO AE 09342

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20080407-02
April 7, 2008

Update: Iraqi Security Forces rescue 42 kidnapped students
Multi-National Division – North PAO

MOSUL, Iraq – The Iraqi Army rescued 42 college students after they were kidnapped by al-Qaeda in Iraq terrorists in southwestern Mosul April 6.

The AQI attacked two university buses with small-arms fire wounding three. The other 42 students were abducted.

The three wounded students were taken to a local hospital while Iraqi Forces searched for the missing students.

The soldiers identified a dump truck with a tarp over the back behaving suspiciously. The vehicle was stopped after warning shots were fired. The driver and passenger fled to a local residence.

Some of the students also left the area immediately after the truck was stopped. Thirty-four students were picked up by Iraqi Security Forces at the scene. The other eight students were picked up at a local combat outpost.

All 42 students are accounted for and are safe.

The three kidnappers were positively identified by the hostages and detained by Iraqi Police.

“This swift and professional response by the Iraqi Security Forces is just another example of their ability to serve and protect the Iraqi people,” said Maj. Gary Dangerfield, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment spokesperson.
 
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT THE MULTI-NATIONAL DIVISION – NORTH PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE AT:  This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it OR DSN 318-856-0218