MoD Information

US Troops Free Soldier

Wed, April 02, 2003

Source: Guardian Unlimited

American forces have rescued a 19-year-old soldier held by Iraq as a prisoner of war, US central command announced early today

American forces have rescued a 19-year-old soldier held by Iraq as a prisoner of war, US central command announced early today.

Private Jessica Lynch, a member of the 507th Maintenance Company had been designated as missing in action after disappearing during an ambush by Iraqi troops near Nasiriya last week.

"Coalition forces have conducted a successful rescue mission," Brigadier General Vincent Brooks said in Qatar shortly before 3.30am in an extraordinary night briefing.

Private Lynch, a supply clerk, was reported to be physically healthy.

Reports from Nasiriya said she was found during an American attack in the city while she was being held in a hospital.