http://www.guardian.co.uk/Iraq/Story/0,,1738083,00.htmlJames Sturcke
Thursday March 23, 2006
When Jack Straw revealed this morning that "British military personnel" had been involved into today's operation to release the three hostages in Iraq, he effectively confirmed that the SAS had chalked up another success in their illustrious 65-year history.
Although officials have been reluctant to give out detailed information so soon after the raid, the foreign secretary did say that it took place early today and that "mercifully, no shots were fired".
The Ministry of Defence also confirmed that British troops had played a "prominent role" in the rescue operation, which took place in western Baghdad.
John Reid, the defence secretary, said the operation, "spearheaded by British troops" had been "several weeks" in the planning.
Reuters link:
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/MAC332967.htmIntelligence work leads to Iraq aid workers' rescue
23 Mar 2006 16:56:47 GMT
By Alastair Macdonald
BAGHDAD, March 23 (Reuters) - Weeks of intelligence work in lawless west Baghdad and a rapid response by special forces to information extracted from a prisoner led to British troops' rescue of three Christian peace activists in Baghdad on Thursday.
British and U.S. officials were reluctant to give details of the release of Canadians Harmeet Sooden and Jim Loney and Briton Norman Kember, not wishing to jeopardise efforts to free several other hostages believed still held around the capital.
"It was part of ongoing operations related to hostages," said British military spokesman Wing Commander Tony Radcliffe.
Among foreigners still missing are two Kenyan engineers and American journalist Jill Carroll, seized in Baghdad in January.