Counterterrorism Blog

Islamist web sites used by Al Qaeda have announced the release of a new video regarding three kidnapped US soldiers who went missing in May. "God willing, after some hours the Furqan Institute will present the clash and the detention of three Americans," the Web sites said, without giving further details. Furqan issues videos of attacks by Al Qaeda in Iraq, and serves as the media committee of the Islamic State of Iraq, an umbrella insurgent group comprised of al-Qaeda and others.

The SITE Institute and Laura Mansfield have stated that they have a copy of the 10:41 minute video.

Update: Video Link (Laura Mansfield web site)

According to Laura Mansfield, "The Islamic State of Iraq Monday has released a video of the military identification cards of two missing American soldiers. There was no indication in the video whether the two soldiers are dead or alive, and there were no demands set for their release."

The SITE Institute has stated in a press release that the video "depicts the planning stages and operation, footage following the attack from al-Jazeera television, and images of identification cards of two of the soldiers, Pvt. Byron Wayne Fouty and Spc. Alex Ramon Jimenez."

Per Laura Mansfield, "Above the photos, written in Arabic, was the message, 'Bush is the reason for the loss of your prisoners.'" and the video "included video of a masked man at a diagram board -- apparently the planning stage of the attack -- followed by nighttime video of an apparent attack, and al Jazeera video of soldiers searching fields. Images of what appear to be the missing soldiers' personal effects -- including Visa and Mastercard credit cards, a cross, $50 U.S. bills, and Iraqi currency -- are shown at the end of the video. "