This was expected. In fact, I’m surprised that it took this long.
An Islamic militant Web site said Monday it would soon release video clips showing the capture of three American soldiers who disappeared in Iraq in mid-May. The body of one soldier was later found, but the other two remain missing.
The Washington-based SITE Institute said it had obtained the 10-minute, 41-second video that shows the planning stages and kidnapping operation as well as footage from after the attack.
Most Blogs of War readers are probably familiar with the SITE Institute’s work. If not head over there now.
Update:
The video has surfaced. I’ve added a clip showing the men’s personal effects.
Update II:
The military says the search will go on despite the video and claims by the insurgents that the men have been killed:
The U.S. military says the search for missing Lawrence soldier Army Spc. Alex Jimenez will continue in Iraq despite videotaped claims by al-Qaida insurgents that they killed him and another soldier.
“We condemn the tactics used by these terrorists, and are using all means available to pursue those responsible,” said Brig. Gen. Kevin Bergner, the chief military spokesman in Baghdad. “We continue to search and hope that our two missing soldiers will be found alive and in good health. ”
The video released today shows confused and jerky night battle scenes, and later offered close-ups of two identification cards. Along with the identification cards, the footage also showed credit cards, American and Iraqi money, and other personal items that the militants called the “booty.”
The video offered no proof for its claims.
Let’s hope for the best.
