Wednesday, June 15, 2005
RESCUED OR RELEASED?
Few details are available on the rescue of Douglas Wood, beyond that it was some form of military operation:
Iraqi soldiers took part in an operation that freed Australian hostage Douglas Wood today, an Iraqi government spokesman said.
“I can confirm that the Iraqi Government took part in freeing the Australian hostage this morning and he is in good health,” the spokesman said without providing further details.
A spokesman for Sheikh al-Hilali claims Wood was released, however, and that the Sheikh knew of this release before almost anybody else:
The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils says the sheik, or Grand Mufti as he is also known, knew as early as 2am (AEST) today that Mr Wood had been released by the insurgents who kidnapped him in early May.
Council head Amjad Ali Mehboob said he had spoken by phone to the sheik, who was in Cairo.
“He said everything had been set in place for Mr Wood’s release for some time, but he was very glad Mr Wood had been released,” Mr Mehboob said.
The Shiekh has been making similar comments since mid-May; it’s uncertain just how influential was his involvement. Meanwhile, here’s a timeline of Wood’s capture, and the Prime Minister’s announcement of Wood’s liberation.
UPDATE. Reuters is still claiming that Wood was released. The London Sun says he was rescued.