Reuters is reporting that U.S. troops, in violation of international law, have allegedly
taken the mother and sister of a suspected insurgent hostage in Iraq.
A message purportedly left at the house by the troops, which urged the brothers to surrender, contained a mobile telephone number. This was answered by an American soldier who appeared to be aware of Batawi's accusation but declined further comment.
A handwritten sign in Arabic on the front gate of their house read: "Be a man Muhammad Mukhlif and give yourself up and then we will release your sisters.
"Otherwise they will spend a long time in detention."
It was signed "Bandit 6," apparently U.S. Army code, possibly designating a company commander.
When Reuters called the mobile telephone number at the bottom of the message, an American answered, saying he was on a military patrol. Asked about Batawi's accusation, he said: "I can't comment on that. The commander will call you back."
The report also indicates that this may be only one incident in a pattern of hostage-taking by U.S. forces, all in violation of international law.
Obvious questions: Is this a policy of the U.S. government? If so, who was involved in authorizing this latest breach of international law?