US says missing Iraqi-American contractor believed kidnapped in Baghdad is back in US hands

US says missing contractor in Iraq returns

WASHINGTON — The U.S. says an Iraqi-American contractor believed to have been kidnapped in Baghdad in January is back in American hands.

A Shiite extremist group claimed responsibility for the Jan. 23 kidnapping of Issa Salomi, 60, of El Cajon, Calif. A Pentagon statement on Saturday gave no details about Salomi’s return on Thursday or about his disappearance, except to say he was back under military control.

The statement said the circumstances of the case are under investigation.

An Iraqi defense official said in February that Salomi was kidnapped by militiamen who lured him into central Baghdad by promising to help find distant relatives.

Salomi’s permanent assignment is at Fort Leavenworth, Kan.

A Shiite extremist group had claimed responsibility for the kidnapping and posted a video online that showed a man wearing military fatigues, reading a list demands for the release of militants, the prosecution of Blackwater guards and an immediate U.S. troop withdrawal.

The same group was believed to be behind the kidnapping of British computer consultant Peter Moore in May 2007 along with his four British bodyguards. Moore was handed over to Iraqi authorities in late December. Three of the bodyguards were killed and the fourth is believed dead.

It was unclear after Salomi’s disappearance whether he was taken as part of a terrorist scheme. A U.S. intelligence official at the time said initial investigations indicated he was abducted by criminals for revenge or money.