American Hostage Roy Hallums Rescued in Iraq

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American Hostage Roy Hallums Rescued in Iraq

James Joyner | Wednesday, September 7, 2005

Roy Hallums has been freed, thanks to a daring rescue.

American, Iraqi captives freed in Iraq (CNN)

Acting on a tip from a detainee, coalition forces rescued two hostages, including an American held hostage since November, the U.S. military said Wednesday. Roy Hallums and an Iraqi man were freed “from captivity in an isolated farm house located 15 miles south of Baghdad,” the military said.

The military said Hallums released this statement after his release: “I want to thank all of those who were involved in my rescue — to those who continuously tracked my captors and location, and to those who physically brought me freedom today. “To all of you, I will be forever grateful. Both of us are in good health and look forward to returning to our respective families. Thank you to all who kept me and my family in their thoughts and prayers.”

The military said the raid was planned quickly after an Iraqi detainee divulged the pair’s location. Hallums called from Baghdad on Wednesday, his ex-wife, Susan Hallums, told CNN. “He said that he was well, and he was heading home soon,” the ex-wife said.

Rusty Shackleford has many more details.

About the Author: James Joyner is the publisher of Outside the Beltway and the managing editor of the Atlantic Council. He's a former Army officer, Desert Storm vet, and college professor with a PhD in political science from The University of Alabama. He lives just outside the Beltway in Alexandria, Virginia with his wife and infant daughter.

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