Article

2004-06-08 Iraq-Jordan

Archived material is restricted to Rantburg regulars and members. If you need access email fred.pruitt=at=gmail.com with your nick to be added to the members list. There is no charge to join Rantburg as a member.

Posted by Mike 2004-06-08 8:56:23 AM|| || Front Page|| [4 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 They prolly owe their lives to Fabrizio - his defiance boomeranged the entire tenor of coverage. The asshats had nothing to gain from killing any more of them - and the new Iraqi Gov't prolly hasn't made things look promising for the asshat industry, either. Time to cut them loose. I am very happy for them - and hope their families didn't embarrass them in negotiations. Fabrizio set the bar pretty phreakin' high.

Posted by .com 2004-06-08 9:23:39 AM|| 2004-06-08 9:23:39 AM|| Front Page Top

#2 Fabrizio was a brave dude. But, if you're gonna go, then cursing defiance is the best way out. I believe you're right about that act saving the other three lives. RIP

Posted by Frank G 2004-06-08 9:50:16 AM|| 2004-06-08 9:50:16 AM|| Front Page Top

#3 Three Italians kidnapped in Iraq almost two months ago have been rescued in a mission by military special forces, Italian and Polish officials say. A Polish man abducted a week ago was also released. All four men are said to be in good health. The Italians were captured on 12 April with a compatriot, Fabrizio Quattrocchi, who was killed soon after and a tape of his killing released. Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said the hostages were released in a joint operation in southern Baghdad by Italian and other forces using "detailed intelligence".
There was no bloodshed, and the former hostages were on their way to the airport to be flown back to Italy on Wednesday.

It wasn't a release, it was a rescue. Well done, Italian and forces to be named later.

Posted by Steve 2004-06-08 10:42:21 AM|| 2004-06-08 10:42:21 AM|| Front Page Top

#4 ROME â Special forces from the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq raided a hide-out south of Baghdad Tuesday and freed three Italian hostages held for almost two months and a Pole abducted last week, Italian officials said. Berlusconi said forces had identified the location where the hostages had been held several days ago and had considered approaching local religious authorities to help win their freedom.
But the forces took advantage of a window of opportunity on Tuesday and launched an operation to free them. He gave no details on the operation.
Hummmm, sounds like they had the place under observation and went in when their guards where out to lunch?

Posted by Steve 2004-06-08 11:11:21 AM|| 2004-06-08 11:11:21 AM|| Front Page Top

#5 .com, Frank G, et al

I think the defiance of Quattrocchi really had the Qada rag'eds spooked.

I can just hear the guards talking amongst themselves, "He's an infidel. He's not supposed to say that. The Imam told us that only Moslems have courage!"

The Qada cell leader now has a few less guards, since either they were killed when the Italian Special Forces intervened, or they were executed for "non-performance".

Posted by BigEd 2004-06-08 11:46:19 AM|| 2004-06-08 11:46:19 AM|| Front Page Top

#6 I made him an offer he couldn't refuse.

Posted by Don Corleone 2004-06-08 12:09:16 PM|| 2004-06-08 12:09:16 PM|| Front Page Top

#7 Fox now has a more complete account posted.

Good job, Special Forces guys!

Posted by Mike 2004-06-08 1:06:51 PM|| 2004-06-08 1:06:51 PM|| Front Page Top

#8 Exactly, Big Ed: Quattrocchi was one hell of a dude whose defiance flew in the face of accepted Islamist doctrine. Al Jizz was so shaken, they refused to air the tape, calling it too horrid to air. They made a big show of their "concern" for the sensibilities of their audience, but it was clear that Quattrocchi had planted a big boot firmly in the face of Islamist doctine.

May he rest in peace. I certainly hope he and the Gipper are hoisting some cold ones in the Far Country....

Posted by Ptah 2004-06-08 1:47:45 PM|| [http://www.crusaderwarcollege.org] 2004-06-08 1:47:45 PM|| Front Page Top

#9 Ptah: I suspect it's a nice Chianti, but other than that minor point, I think you're right.

Posted by Mike 2004-06-08 2:31:32 PM|| 2004-06-08 2:31:32 PM|| Front Page Top

#10 Well, well - Fox certainly did update the story. I consider it excellent news that they were rescued - making the kidnappers look even more incompetant and stupid is good - take all the wind out of their sick sails. Italians will be proud and happy!

Il piÃ¹ eccellente!

Posted by .com 2004-06-08 5:07:37 PM|| 2004-06-08 5:07:37 PM|| Front Page Top

#11 U.S. special forces freed four hostages

Ehmm. It was a combined operation involving American, Polish and possibly other coalition special forces. You guys are good, but give credit where credit is due.

Posted by Rafael 2004-06-08 6:50:35 PM|| 2004-06-08 6:50:35 PM|| Front Page Top

#12 From CNN:
The operation, led by Polish and U.S. special forces, took place after an intensive intelligence investigation, Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said.

More details will be known in the next few days.

Posted by ed 2004-06-08 6:59:33 PM|| 2004-06-08 6:59:33 PM|| Front Page Top

#13 Rafael - other members of the "False Coalition" or "The Coalition of the Bribed"?

J F'n Kerry

Posted by Frank G 2004-06-08 7:12:15 PM|| 2004-06-08 7:12:15 PM|| Front Page Top

#14 No worries Guyz! "Mission Accomplished according to the idiot/smirking chimp in Chief!"

Posted by Not Mike Moore 2004-06-09 12:45:38 AM|| 2004-06-09 12:45:38 AM|| Front Page Top

#15 Was it a really warm handshake last night NMM? Kinda tought in tar heel land for the progressive types isn't it? Don't worry make you can find some hippie love in the big protests in August.

Posted by Shipman 2004-06-09 9:27:28 AM|| 2004-06-09 9:27:28 AM|| Front Page Top

15:08 BMN
14:40 Antiwar TROLL
11:44 BigEd
09:31 Shipman
09:27 Shipman
07:55 Mitch H.
03:40 .com
03:29 ed
03:23 ed
02:58 Super Hose
02:56 Super Hose
02:34 Phil Fraering
01:21 .com
01:11 Rafael
01:02 .com
00:55 Rafael
00:52 Rafael
00:49 Not Mike Moore
00:48 GK
00:45 Not Mike Moore
00:42 .com
00:42 Not Mike Moore
00:38 Not Mike Moore
00:33 Not Mike Moore