Insurgent Revenge Plot Allegedly Linked to Rape and Murder of Iraqi Girl

Residents of the Sunni market town of Mahmoudiyah in Iraq's "Triangle of Death" claim that the abduction and beheading of two American soldiers last month was a revenge plot for the rape and murder of a 15-year-old girl, Abeer Qassim Hamza, and her family. The case, which has been met with denial by US army officials, has sparked outrage and condemnation from both sides.

The incident began when US soldiers, including Steven Green, 21, allegedly entered the home of the civilian family, killing the girl's parents and younger sister, and raping the teenager. The bodies were later found burnt in an apparent cover-up attempt. US commanders initially thought the killings were the work of insurgents, but the case was investigated after another soldier revealed the possible involvement of US troops in a counseling session. Now, residents of Mahmoudiyah claim that relatives of the dead girl's family worked with insurgent groups to exact a 10-to-one revenge for the attack. They allegedly vowed to kidnap and kill another eight American troops, including the two soldiers who were recently beheaded.

Key Takeaways:

• US soldiers allegedly raped and murdered a 15-year-old Iraqi girl, Abeer Qassim Hamza, and her family, sparking a revenge plot by insurgents.
• Residents of Mahmoudiyah claim that relatives of the dead girl's family worked with insurgent groups to exact a 10-to-1 revenge for the attack.
• US commanders initially thought the killings were the work of insurgents but later investigated the possible involvement of US troops after another soldier came forward.
• The US army has begun a separate inquiry into possible links between the two cases, but officials insist that it is speculation at this stage.
• The case has sparked outrage and condemnation from both sides, with relatives of the dead girl's family denouncing the Americans on Arabic satellite channels.