BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - Iraqi militants claimed in a Web statement Tuesday to have taken an American soldier hostage and threatened to behead him in 72 hours unless the Americans release Iraqi prisoners.The terrorists know that the US will not be complying with their demands.The posting, on a Web site that frequently carried militants' statements, included a photo of what appeared to be an American soldier in desert fatigues seated with his hands tied behind his back.
A gun barrel was pointed at his head, and he is seated in front of a black banner emblazoned with the Islamic profession of faith, "There is no god but God and Muhammad is His prophet."
A U.S. military spokesman in Baghdad, Marine Sgt. Salju K. Thomas, said he had no information on the claim but "we are currently looking into it."
A statement posted with the picture suggested the group was holding other soldiers."Our mujahadeen heroes of Iraq's Jihadi Battalion were able to capture American military man John Adam after killing a number of his comrades and capturing the rest," said the statement, signed by the "Mujahedeen Brigades."
"God willing, we will behead him if our female and male prisoners are not released from U.S. prisons within the maximum period of 72 hours from the time this statement has been released," the statement said.
Update: If you think that there's something odd about the picture you're not alone. My bullshit meter went off immediately. The size of the head looks all wrong, like the picture was created in Photoshop. In this case I hope I'm NOT wrong.
There was a John Adam Keeney who served in Baghdad, but he presumably is not in Iraq any more..
Update 2: At Fark.com, user Nth Degree wonders if the GI Joe: Air Force Special Ops doll is what is shown in the picture. Here's a eBay auction for the action figure with close-up shots, and this picture from Nth Degree:
The gun sure looks similar, and notice that the action figure comes with knee pads (lower right of the box) and the picture shows a soldier wearing knee pads...
I think that the AP might have got hoodwinked...
Update 3: As Michele notes in the comments, and other via e-mail, AP was p0wned - Militaryphotos.net has tracked down each piece of clothing...
End note - It appears to be a Cody Special Ops figure rather than a GI Joe model...
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War On Terror
Comments (55)
Well I'm glad to know I'm n... (Below threshold)1. Posted by Drew | February 1, 2005 2:23 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Well I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who thought that picture looked weird. I'm guessing this is going to turn out to be BS propaganda.
1. Posted by Drew | February 1, 2005 2:23 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 14:23
2. Posted by Rusty Shackleford | February 1, 2005 2:26 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Kevin,
Check out the gun. I've seen a lot of hostage videos. In EVERY single one the mujahad-terrorists ALWAYS pack an AK-47.
2. Posted by Rusty Shackleford | February 1, 2005 2:26 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 14:26
3. Posted by OneDrummer | February 1, 2005 2:28 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I'm thinkin', I know the gear is bulky, but this guy would've been drummed out for havin' a shrunken head. This can't be a real pic...
3. Posted by OneDrummer | February 1, 2005 2:28 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 14:28
4. Posted by michele | February 1, 2005 2:32 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
That's a GI Joe doll.
http://www.monkeydepot.com/Merchant/bd0450.JPG
Look at the vest.
4. Posted by michele | February 1, 2005 2:32 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 14:32
5. Posted by Drew | February 1, 2005 2:37 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
http://www.conservativefriends.com/viewtopic.php?p=5331#5331
If you look at the magnified version, you can clearly see manipulation around the mouth region.
5. Posted by Drew | February 1, 2005 2:37 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 14:37
6. Posted by packetninja | February 1, 2005 2:37 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
that is a gijoe action figure...
weird...they are quite stupid eh?
6. Posted by packetninja | February 1, 2005 2:37 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 14:37
7. Posted by michele | February 1, 2005 2:41 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
They're not the only stupid ones. What about the 500 news sites going with this story?
7. Posted by michele | February 1, 2005 2:41 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 14:41
8. Posted by King of Fools | February 1, 2005 2:47 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Brilliant, Michelle! Explains why there isn't a terrorist in the picture, like there usually is.
The pants and boots match, as does the face and the vest. Don't see the kneepads in the package, but they could be the things on the bottom right.
8. Posted by King of Fools | February 1, 2005 2:47 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 14:47
9. Posted by packetninja | February 1, 2005 2:48 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
that goes without saying michele...maybe it is a blogger trying to show the MSM to cool it's horses and don't be a rather (as in dan) lol :)
9. Posted by packetninja | February 1, 2005 2:48 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 14:48
10. Posted by Don | February 1, 2005 2:52 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Go here to see the figure
http://www.militaryphotos.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=37049
10. Posted by Don | February 1, 2005 2:52 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 14:52
11. Posted by King of Fools | February 1, 2005 2:52 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I almost made my own version (My Goodness, they got Barbie Too!), but I don't want to make light of the whole hostage thing.
Besides...my Princess doesn't have any Barbie guns. Only hairbrushes and shoes. Lots of shoes.
11. Posted by King of Fools | February 1, 2005 2:52 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 14:52
12. Posted by Dwayne "the canoe guy" | February 1, 2005 2:59 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
If they DO behead him, at least it will be easy to re-attach it.
But now we know who the muslims are really working for.......COBRA!!!!!
12. Posted by Dwayne "the canoe guy" | February 1, 2005 2:59 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 14:59
13. Posted by lawhawk | February 1, 2005 3:01 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
First chance I got to see this image, and I've got to concur that something looks fishy. The proportions aren't quite right, and although there might be some lens distortion in effect, the flesh tones on the face also look off.
13. Posted by lawhawk | February 1, 2005 3:01 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 15:01
14. Posted by Pigilito | February 1, 2005 3:02 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
It certainly does look like a photoshopped head. The weapon and vest are also toy like. But the uniform looks as if it drapes correctly, and the boots look fairly real.
I hope to hell this is a fake.
14. Posted by Pigilito | February 1, 2005 3:02 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 15:02
15. Posted by kermit duncan | February 1, 2005 3:04 PM | Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
AP and Reuters to edit headline: "Gigantic Terrorists Threaten to Behead..."
15. Posted by kermit duncan | February 1, 2005 3:04 PM |
Score: 1 (1 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 15:04
16. Posted by Neal | February 1, 2005 3:10 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Where the fuck is a neutron bomb when you need one? Kill each and every one of those jihaddicksuckers--twice!
16. Posted by Neal | February 1, 2005 3:10 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 15:10
17. Posted by OB SNOOKS | February 1, 2005 3:17 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I understand that the terrorists have caputured Col. URKO from the Planet of the Apes and will post his photo shortly.
17. Posted by OB SNOOKS | February 1, 2005 3:17 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 15:17
18. Posted by Tom | February 1, 2005 3:18 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Clinton blew it when he passed up that chance to capture Destro..
18. Posted by Tom | February 1, 2005 3:18 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 15:18
19. Posted by Andrew | February 1, 2005 3:18 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
More telling for me (and what got me thinking about it) is that the M-16 is (a) flat against the wall, (b) not being held by its trigger/grip and (c) looks like it is held up to the wall by scotch tape.
19. Posted by Andrew | February 1, 2005 3:18 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 15:18
20. Posted by ridgerunner | February 1, 2005 3:19 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I would kill them for just holding the doll hostage.
20. Posted by ridgerunner | February 1, 2005 3:19 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 15:19
21. Posted by Laurence Simon | February 1, 2005 3:19 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Apparently, Al-Zarqawi's gang has found a way to defend against the once-unstoppable Kung Fu Grip.
21. Posted by Laurence Simon | February 1, 2005 3:19 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 15:19
22. Posted by Tom | February 1, 2005 3:24 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
'Thomas said he had no information on the claim but "we are currently looking into it."'
That can only mean one thing: Snake Eyes is on the case.
22. Posted by Tom | February 1, 2005 3:24 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 15:24
23. Posted by mesablue | February 1, 2005 3:24 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Doesn't seem like MSM has figured this out yet, it's still being pushed out.
On the other hand, what if it was real terrorists who captured the GI Joe doll?
The horror.
23. Posted by mesablue | February 1, 2005 3:24 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 15:24
24. Posted by Paul | February 1, 2005 3:26 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Great now I have this song running thru my head:
"All your Barbie are belong to us."
P
24. Posted by Paul | February 1, 2005 3:26 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 15:26
25. Posted by Tom | February 1, 2005 3:31 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
mesablue: The real fun will be to see how they sidestep admitting they got owned. Will we see weeks of denials, followed by snide comments that "the photos were never proven to be fakes", and finally a hand-waving investigation that assigns no blame?
"The photos may be fake, but they're accurate!"
25. Posted by Tom | February 1, 2005 3:31 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 15:31
26. Posted by Phil Smith | February 1, 2005 3:40 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
The gun looks a great deal like one of my son's 'airsoft' plastic bb rifles. Note the black clip inserted into what appears to be clear plastic.
26. Posted by Phil Smith | February 1, 2005 3:40 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 15:40
27. Posted by Rick13 | February 1, 2005 3:42 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Forget the doll, the scale of the plaster and cracks in the wall are all wrong. Nice try Dumbass's! God forbid they get hold of Barbie or Skipper!
27. Posted by Rick13 | February 1, 2005 3:42 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 15:42
28. Posted by mesablue | February 1, 2005 3:47 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Tom:
Too funny, that is exactly what I was thinking. But what to call it? JoeGate is too tame.
28. Posted by mesablue | February 1, 2005 3:47 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 15:47
29. Posted by OneDrummer | February 1, 2005 3:57 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Simon - you owe me a new FP2001 monitor dude!
29. Posted by OneDrummer | February 1, 2005 3:57 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 15:57
30. Posted by Andrew | February 1, 2005 4:03 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Hey, isn't Optimus Prime in the army these days? He'll know what to do.
30. Posted by Andrew | February 1, 2005 4:03 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 16:03
31. Posted by Steve L. | February 1, 2005 4:08 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
The AP just got an atomic wedgie from the terrorists. I can only imagine the terrorists are laughing their asses off right now at how stupid journalists are.
31. Posted by Steve L. | February 1, 2005 4:08 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 16:08
32. Posted by Tom | February 1, 2005 4:17 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Steve L.: I doubt this was done by terrorists, or by "Chimp Bush and the RepubliKKKans" as was alledged on Fark. Some teenage weenie just posted this on a pro-terrorist website as a lark for he and his friends, probably never expecting it would get serious inspection. Such websites are probably rife with posturing punks that are in no way seriously involved in anything, just like any 'hacker' website or loony left 'revolutionary' site.
32. Posted by Tom | February 1, 2005 4:17 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 16:17
33. Posted by The Man | February 1, 2005 4:22 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
In response, we have another offer for the terrorists. Here is a picture of an insurgent leader we captured in Iraq. If Abu Musab al-Zarqawi does not surrender to American troops within 72 hours, we will behead her. The clock is ticking. God willing, we will spill her blood if we do not get what we want.
Click Here to read more.
33. Posted by The Man | February 1, 2005 4:22 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 16:22
34. Posted by TallDave | February 1, 2005 5:08 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
No need to panic: Scott McClellan reports Barbie has been moved to a secure location.
34. Posted by TallDave | February 1, 2005 5:08 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 17:08
35. Posted by Kevin P. Craver | February 1, 2005 5:23 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Oh, c'mon! The captured "soldier" has what appears to be six smoke grenades (just like the doll) on his load-bearing vest. What captor in his right mind would take a hostage's rifle and knife, but leave him with grenades?
You gotta be kidding me! The terrorists are a lot of things, but stupid is not one of them.
The only question in my mid is whether this occurred as a result of MSM bias or just good old-fashioned stupidity?
35. Posted by Kevin P. Craver | February 1, 2005 5:23 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 17:23
36. Posted by Jim Treacher | February 1, 2005 6:15 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
You have got to be fucking kidding me. Seriously, I've been on the Web 10 minutes today, with like 1 hour of sleep, and I didn't fall for that. I'm not even getting paid for this shit. What, do we need to prop Charlie McCarthy in front of a camera with a squirt gun pointed at his head? Holy shit! THEY ARE NEVER GOING TO LIVE THIS DOWN.
36. Posted by Jim Treacher | February 1, 2005 6:15 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 18:15
37. Posted by Rebecca | February 1, 2005 10:06 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Ha!!! Personally my favorite has been this picture of Rumsfeld's response at ludicrosity. hehehehe :) :)
37. Posted by Rebecca | February 1, 2005 10:06 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 22:06
38. Posted by Monster Kabasue | February 1, 2005 10:57 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
OMG a sucide bomber in a Iraqi supermarket (warning graphic picture )
38. Posted by Monster Kabasue | February 1, 2005 10:57 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 22:57
39. Posted by Galen | February 1, 2005 11:07 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I think we can chock this up to biased stupidity. Now isn't that the lowest of the low?
39. Posted by Galen | February 1, 2005 11:07 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 23:07
40. Posted by romablog | February 1, 2005 11:47 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Hahahaha. And some people were off ranting about how the US would strike back before they realized that it's a goddamn toy. Hahaha. yall got punked.
40. Posted by romablog | February 1, 2005 11:47 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 1, 2005 23:47
41. Posted by firstbrokenangel | February 2, 2005 1:25 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Bullshit meter!!!
Love it!!! Great Line.
Cindy
41. Posted by firstbrokenangel | February 2, 2005 1:25 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 2, 2005 01:25
42. Posted by Patrick Chester | February 2, 2005 3:52 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
"They don't make terrorists like they used to... COBR-*cough*hack*wheeze*..."
42. Posted by Patrick Chester | February 2, 2005 3:52 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 2, 2005 03:52
43. Posted by Rick DeMent | February 2, 2005 8:03 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Funny how Kevin’s "bullshit" detector didn't go off until after he posted the initial story.
from the looks of the initial post, it seems he was more then ready to believe it too or else he woould have said something.
43. Posted by Rick DeMent | February 2, 2005 8:03 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 2, 2005 08:03
44. Posted by Bruce | February 2, 2005 10:12 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Nice job Kevin, but, uh ... what's "p0wned?" It's "pwned."
44. Posted by Bruce | February 2, 2005 10:12 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 2, 2005 10:12
45. Posted by McGehee | February 2, 2005 10:54 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Rick, at least Wizbang covered it before dinnertime.
45. Posted by McGehee | February 2, 2005 10:54 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 2, 2005 10:54
46. Posted by Will | February 2, 2005 5:05 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I have some breaking news on this story...
http://lawnrangers.blogspot.com/2005/02/breaking-news-on-kidnapped-soldier.html
46. Posted by Will | February 2, 2005 5:05 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 2, 2005 17:05
47. Posted by selutha | February 2, 2005 5:09 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
one more point about that "m-16" It has a support stock... US military doesn't use that gun design because it promotes "spray and pray" that is why you have one hand on triger and one hand on barrel guard. so it makes u aim when you shoot...
47. Posted by selutha | February 2, 2005 5:09 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 2, 2005 17:09
48. Posted by Michael | February 3, 2005 12:12 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Here is a link showing what Selutha means. The ammo clip in the current issue M-16 is further back. This lets you put the non trigger hand on the barrel guard for aiming.
48. Posted by Michael | February 3, 2005 12:12 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 3, 2005 00:12
49. Posted by dele | February 3, 2005 6:22 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
i need assistance to know GOD in a way that is good in my life
49. Posted by dele | February 3, 2005 6:22 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 3, 2005 06:22
50. Posted by stretch | February 4, 2005 5:26 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
sry guys special operations does use a variation of your M-16/ the CARbine, shorter barrel and colapsable stock, which does allow for a extra features to be mouted on it including a flashlight, infared laser sight (PAC19), scope, and yes that handle....used mostly for CQB. adds to manuverablity of the weapon in your hands
50. Posted by stretch | February 4, 2005 5:26 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 4, 2005 17:26
51. Posted by stretch | February 4, 2005 5:29 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
here a link to the m4 carbine
http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/m16.htm
51. Posted by stretch | February 4, 2005 5:29 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 4, 2005 17:29
52. Posted by John Adam Keeney | February 22, 2005 8:26 PM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I am the John Adam Keeney. I was shot in Baghdad on April 10, 2003. I am in good health today and wish all my brothers Gods speed in coming home. Tell these idiots to try again. I'm alive and kicking!!!!! Looking forward to another surgery on my elbow.
Regards,
The John Adam Keeney, Corporal USMC Retired
52. Posted by John Adam Keeney | February 22, 2005 8:26 PM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 22, 2005 20:26
53. Posted by SSgt Belgarde | February 23, 2005 9:08 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I was John's Section leader in Iraq. The terrorist have obviously come to there last ditch efforts to coerce the "why are we in Iraq" close minded retards. Cpl (Ret) Keeney is alive and doing well considering his wounds. In fact I spoke with him last night and he would like to go back over there if he could.
53. Posted by SSgt Belgarde | February 23, 2005 9:08 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on February 23, 2005 09:08
54. Posted by Bobbi Sparks | March 1, 2005 7:59 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
I am retired Corporal Keeney's Mother. Nice try. He is wonderful and ALIVE! What a poor example of the mentality they have.John is an example of what a great American is. We wish all his brothers and sisters well and hope for their safe return home.
54. Posted by Bobbi Sparks | March 1, 2005 7:59 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 1, 2005 07:59
55. Posted by joni gentry | March 1, 2005 9:45 AM | Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Its incredible how just stupid these people are.john adam keeney is alive and doing well dispite his arm is injured from a gun shot while in bagdad. they got ahold of his ID some how and used it for something like this. are we grabbing at straws now? are they so desperate for attention that they use dolls to get there crumbling message out. terrorist stick that up your ass. how do I know all this? Im his aunt.
55. Posted by joni gentry | March 1, 2005 9:45 AM |
Score: 0 (0 votes cast)
Posted on March 1, 2005 09:45