Armed Group Claims Kidnapping Of Iraqi Officer: Al- Jazeera

DOHA, Aug 16 (AFP) - The pan-Arab television network Al-Jazeera Monday broadcast excerpts from a video cassette in which a hitherto unknown armed Iraqi group claims responsibility for the kidnapping of an Iraqi intelligence officer in retaliation for the US military operation in Najaf.
The group, which calls iteself the "Brigades for the Defense of Holy Sites," said it had kidnapped the officer, Osama Abdul Jabbar, who was seen in the video flanked by two armed and masked men.
In a statement read by one of the kidnappers, the group said the "the abduction is in response to fighting taking place in Najaf." The hostage was also shown revealing his identity and his functions, Al-Jazeera said.
US forces, and Iraqi police units, have been waging a major offensive in the Shiite holy city of Najaf against Iraqi militiamen loyal to rebel cleric Moqtada Sadr, who have become a significant challenge to their authority.
Delegates at a national conference in Baghdad decided Monday to postpone a bid to coax Sadr back from the brink before a threatened US-led assault in the city.