Iraqi militants 'behead US Marine'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An Iraqi militant group claimed last night that it had beheaded a captive US Marine of Lebanese descent in a stark challenge to the authority of the new interim government in Baghdad.
The group, Ansar al-Sunna Army, posted a statement on an Islamic website, saying it had killed Corporal Wassef Ali Hassoun, who went missing on 21 June. "You will soon see the movie with your own eyes," the statement said.
A week ago the al-Jazeera network showed a videotape of the blindfolded 24-year-old Marine with a sword poised over his head. On the tape, militants threatened to kill him unless the US released all Iraqis in "occupation jails".
It was the second reported killing of a kidnapped American soldier in Iraq within a week. Hours after the US handed over sovereignty on Monday, al-Jazeera broadcast footage showing what militants said was the shooting of 20-year-old Private Keith Matthew Maupin. A gunman could be seen firing one shot at the soldier.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments