Militants Claim to Kidnap 10 Iraqis

[cal04]

Insurgents claiming to represent three Iraqi militant groups issued a videotape Saturday saying they had captured 10 Iraqis working for an American security and reconstruction company and would kill them if the firm did not leave this turbulent country.

The groups, claiming to be the Mujahedeen Army, The Black Banner Brigade and the Mutassim Bellah Brigade, also threatened more attacks on Iraqi operations of the company, the Washington-headquartered Sandi Group, and anyone who cooperated with it. Mutassim Bellah was an ancient Iraqi military commander.

``We warn the director of (Sandi Group) ... to close the company completely and all its branches and to leave Iraq. Otherwise those (hostages) who are in our grasp will be killed,'' a masked militant wearing a traditional black Arab robe says on the tape obtained by Associated Press Television News.

The tape, which could not be immediately verified, showed at least four insurgents with their faces covered by traditional Arab head scarves and posing with machine guns. A written statement issued by the previously unknown groups said they had ``captured a devious group ... that works for the private Sandi Group for security under the cover of protecting Iraqi goods.''


http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/international/AP-Iraq-Hostages.html?oref=login

[Robbien]

1. The Sandi Group is over there to privatize water and public works

according to their press release:

WorldWater Corporation announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The Sandi Group, Inc. for the purpose of forming a Joint Venture to solicit contracts in Iraq in the areas of Public Works and Water and Power Sector Rehabilitation. The two companies intend to bid on contracts which will utilize WorldWater's proprietary solar power and water management services, technology and products. The companies have already entered a bid on at least one project in Baghdad.

About The Sandi Group - The Sandi Group, with offices in the United States, Iraq, and other countries, is a developer, contractor, logistical support provider and investor in Iraq. Its founder and chairman is Mr. Rubar Sandi, who is also Chairman of Corporate Bank Business Group and founder of the Iraq-U.S. Business Council. The Sandi Group has interests in Iraq in real estate, hotels, banking, air passenger and cargo transport, agriculture, water treatment, office supplies, oil and business development.