7 August 2004 -- A video aired today that purportedly showed the beheading of a U.S. hostage in Iraq was apparently a hoax.
The American, reached by the Associated Press in San Fransisco, said he videotaped the fake beheading at a friend's house months ago.
Benjamin Vanderford said he made the video to attract attention.
On the video the purported hostage urged U.S. forces to withdraw from Iraq. After that, a knife was shown apparently cutting through the neck of a limp body, but no militants.
The video was previously said to have been made by militants linked to top al-Qaeda suspect Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
Iraqi militants have seized dozens of hostages in Iraq. At least 10 have been executed.
Today, militants threatened to kill an abducted Turkish truck driver in 48 hours if his company does not withdraw from the country.
(Agencies)
Benjamin Vanderford said he made the video to attract attention.
On the video the purported hostage urged U.S. forces to withdraw from Iraq. After that, a knife was shown apparently cutting through the neck of a limp body, but no militants.
The video was previously said to have been made by militants linked to top al-Qaeda suspect Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
Iraqi militants have seized dozens of hostages in Iraq. At least 10 have been executed.
Today, militants threatened to kill an abducted Turkish truck driver in 48 hours if his company does not withdraw from the country.
(Agencies)