Bodies of Two Iraq Hostages Found Near Basra

Heartbreaking news: the bodies of Iraq hostages John Young and Ronald Withrow were found Friday near Basra and flown to the US for identification. The families were informed of the positive identifications late Sunday night. This story hasn't made it to the news wires yet, this is via a report by Francis Cote, the father of hostage Jonathon Cote (source: FreeCote.com):

As some of you know, there have been some recent updates regarding Jonathon and the other hostages.

Approximately one month ago the U.S. Military-Government received DNA and prints. The FBI confirmed this information on Frebruary16, 2008 with us. On March 13, 2008 the FBI provided additional information that the DNA was from 5 severed fingers which one belonging to Jon, one to Josh Munns, one to Paul Reuben and one to Bert Nussbaumer, (Austrian) all co-workers of Jon. The fifth did not belong to John Young, the other Crescent Security employee hostage but instead belongs to Ronald Withrow, an American kidnapped two months after the others. We’re hoping that this act was “their” sick way of showing “proof of life”. We don’t know. We know of no ransom demands.

In the afternoon on Friday, March 21, 2008 the FBI visited us to inform us that the US Military-Government has recovered 2 bodies in the Basra area, the area where the hostages are believed to be held. Their identity was unknown at that time. The bodies were flown to the US Air Base in Dover, Delaware where they performed identification and autopsies. Late Sunday night March 23, 2008, we received confirmation from the FBI that the 2 bodies belong to John Young and Ronald Withrow. The parents and family have been notified. Other families are now uncomfortably awaiting word on any new development.

My deepest sorrow and sympathy go out to the Young and Withrow families, I can only pray that God will console them for this terrible loss and bring them comfort after such a long ordeal. Please continue to pray for the families of the remaining hostages --- Jonathon Cote, Paul Reuben, Bert Nussbaumer, and Joshua Munns --- while they wait for further news on their loved ones. Please pray that if those 4 men are still alive, that they will be supernaturally protected until they can be delivered from their captivity.

Previous:
Interview With Jonathon Cote's Father
US Receives Fingers of Iraq Hostages
Free Jonathan Cote
Mother of Iraq Hostage Ronald Withrow Speaks Out
American Contractor Kidnapped in Basra Identified
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