DUBAI - The Islamic Army in Iraq, an militant group that has taken several foreigners hostage, has abducted two Sudanese men for collaborating with US forces, according to a video and statement posted on the Internet Wednesday.
Mohammad Harun Hammad and Maher Attaya were kidnapped for "working at the Al-Bakr base, one of the biggest US bases, in the region of Al-Dhuluiya north of Baghdad," said the statement posted on an Islamist website.
"After they were interrogated, their case was referred to the religious committee which will decide their fate," the statement said, adding that the group had repeatedly warned "those who help the Americans in one way or another, including by working in the occupation camps."
A video carrying the name of the Islamic Army in Iraq showed the two men reading a text in which they identified themselves and admitted to their "mistake" in working as drivers for a Turkish firm at the Al-Bakr base.
"This work is against Islam. I was arrested by the mujahedeen. And I advise everyone to stop working for the infidel occupier because the hand of justice will reach them wherever they are," said each of the two captives, who looked tired.
The Islamic Army in Iraq has kidnapped several foreigners and in some cases killed its hostages, including Italian journalist Enzo Baldoni in August 2004.
It also claimed responsibility for the kidnapping of French journalists Christian Chesnot and Georges Malbrunot, who were released in December after four months held hostage.
03/09/2005 14:10 GMT