Rusty Shackleford has all the latest developments on the latest kidnappings in Iraq:

Four American and one Austrian civilian have been kidnapped in Iraq. The five men were part of a convoy heading through the Shia dominated south of Iraq, but are thought to be held in a Sunni area. That part of Iraq is generally patrolled by British forces.

14 people were taken hostage, but the 9 non-Westerners have since been released. The implication I draw from this is that the hostages are being held for money, and that we should expect a ransom demand soon.

Only the name of one of the Western hostages has been released to the public. he is Paul Reuben of Minnesota. UPDATE: The Austrian hostage, I’m sad to report, has been found dead. One American has been found alive, but wounded. Three Americans still missing.

The five men work for The Crescent Security Group, which provide security for military, civilian, and diplomatice convoys in Iraq.

Keep checking back and keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

Waiting for the inevitable “Screw them” attacks on the contractors from the far Left…