Shiite Militia Threaten Iraq Cities Story aired: Thursday, April 08, 2004
In Iraq today, a U.S. Marine died in the ongoing battle to control Fallujah. Shiite Muslim militias have taken partial control of three cities in the south. Iraq's interior minister has resigned, and a previously unknown group is claiming responsibility for kidnapping three Japanese civilians. The "Mujahedeen Squadrons" say they will burn their captives alive if Japan doesn't withdraw its 500 or so soldiers presently in Iraq.
Japanese officials are saying their troops will remain in the region.
Two Arab-Israeli aid workers were also kidnapped today, as were seven South Korean evangelists, who were later released.
