Iraqi police thwart kidnapping

Published: Jan. 14, 2008 at 3:49 PM

BAGHDAD, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- The National Police force in Iraq foiled a kidnapping following a high-speed pursuit when a vehicle ran through a checkpoint near Sadr City in Baghdad.

Police pursued the vehicle and later arrested the driver and two passengers. Police heard thumping from inside the trunk of the vehicle and found a 24-year-old college student inside, the Multi-National Division in Baghdad said.

The student, who was severely beaten, said insurgents stopped him at a checkpoint inquiring if he was Sunni or Shiite, kidnapping him shortly thereafter.

The action by the Iraqi Police is part of Operation Phantom Phoenix launched in January to pursue al-Qaida and other militants operating in the area using joint U.S. and Iraqi forces.

Lt. Col. David Oclander, the executive officer of the U.S. unit charged with security operations in Sadr City and Adhamiyah, said the operation exemplifies the work of the Iraqi Police forces.

"This shows every law abiding citizen of Iraq -- no matter what faith they are -- can count on the protection of the Iraqi National Police and the other Iraqi Security Forces. And at the same time, it lets every criminal know that no one is above the law," he said.

© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Order reprints


Additional News Stories
NBA: Denver 101, New Jersey 87 (11 min)
COL BKB: Illinois 78, Wofford 64 (18 min)
NBA: Oklahoma City 104, Utah 94 (35 min)
NBA: Golden State 111, Dallas 103 (46 min)
COL BKB: Vanderbilt 68, Chaminade 41
Chargers sign Congress candidate Runyan
UPI Sports Calendar for Wednesday, Nov. 25
fark
Photoshop this inauguration
Navy SEALS capture alleged terrorist behind Fallujah killings and mutilations, promptly face charges...
School district initiates hiring freeze.* (*Except for teachers, principals, assistant principals,...
Man robs bank, leaves crying - possibly withdrawn
"Godfather of Spam" sentenced to 51 months of meat in his can
Goodnight Keith Moon