WAR: Shi'ite Militant Group Takes Hostages in Iraq

Supporters of Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr have taken an unknown number of hostages in Iraq in retaliation for the arrest of leader Mustafa Yaacubi. The hostages are thought to be Spanish, and reports indicate at least one hostage may be American.

Sky.com

Spokesman Amar al-Husseini said, "We hold coalition hostages, most of them Spaniards, and possibly a US soldier, whom we want to swap against Mustafa al-Yaacubi"

US and Spanish officials have denied the group's claims at this time.

More as details become available

[Edited on 8-4-2004 by Banshee]