5 Contractors Taken Hostage in Iraq May Still Be Alive

November 21, 2007 · Filed Under War

Five Western security contractors kidnapped a year ago in Iraq are still alive, according to their employer, Crescent Security.

The four Americans and an Austrian colleague employed by Kuwait-based Crescent Security Group were among 14 people kidnapped Nov. 16, 2006, by men in Iraqi police uniforms who ambushed a convoy they were escorting near the southern Iraqi border city of Safwan.

Crescent managing partner Franco Picco said the company has been working with the FBI to find the men. They are alive and “we do have an idea where they are.”

The last indication that the men were alive came in January, in a video recording showing all five speaking briefly and saying they were being treated well. Since then, State Department officials have indicated they believe the men are still alive, according to some family members.