Sunday, February 14, 2010

Uncertainty surrounding al-Taayie

Lots of uncertainty surrounding the status of missing linguist Sgt. Ahmed Qusai al-Taayie (alternative spellings: Ahmed K. Altaie, Ahmed Kousay al-Taie, Ahmad Qusay al-Ta’ae). What an emotional roller coaster for his family.


Rough timeline

October 23, 2006 Spc. Ahmed Qusai al-Taayie (also Ahmed K. Altaie) of Ann-Arbor, Michigan kidnapped with his brother-in-law. He was seized when he went to visit his Iraqi wife who was at the time with family in Karrada. The brother-in-law was quickly freed.

November 2, 2006 A family member reveals a ransom demand was made for $250,000.

February 14, 2007 A proof of life video released by the captors. Altaie has not been heard from since. Local media in Iraq later report that he was killed but there was no official confirmation.

At one point, al-Taayie's mother reported as traveling to Baghdad in an attempt to locate her son.

February 6, 2010 A senior leader of Shi'ite militia Asaib al-Haq (Leagues of the Righteousness) reports their group received the body of Sgt. Ahmed Qusay al-Taie from a second group and are negotiating its release. Leagues of the Righteousness is believed to be holding hostage Issa T. Salomi.

February 13, 2010 An anonymous US official is quoted in another article that there is no proof the Leagues of the Righteous hold al-Taie's body.

February 14, 2010 Three year anniversary of the release of the proof of life video.

References

No proof Iraqi militants hold second American: US official
AFP, February 13, 2010

Iraqi Shiite group says holding two Americans
AFP, February 7, 2010

Iraq group says it has kidnapped U.S. contractor
By Suadad al-Salhy, Reuters, February 6, 2010

A Ransom Demand for the Missing U.S. Soldier
By Brian Bennett, Time, November 2, 2006

Abducted Altaie Seen in Video - with updates
AII POW-MIA, February 14, 2007

Ahmed Qusai al-Taayie
Wikipedia, includes additional sources

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