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FINGERS from five hostages held in Iraq for more than a year have reportedly been sent to US authorities in Baghdad.

Reports say DNA analysis has confirmed the fingers come from four Americans and an Austrian seized in November 2006.

However it is unknown whether the men were dead or alive when the fingers were cut off.

Austrian Bert Nussbaumer, 26, was seized with Americans Josh Munns, Jonathon Cote, Paul Johnson Reuben near Basra while they worked as security guards.  Ronald Withrow was captured separately in the same area two months later.

There was no word on another security guard who was captured, John R. Young.  None of the fingers received was his.

"I certainly don`t understand why my son`s wasn`t found. What does that mean?" his mother, Sharon DeBrabander, told US media. 

"All we have right now is prayers," Mark Munns, the father of former Marine Joshua, said.  "I don`t know how to make head or tails of what`s going on. Are they still alive?"

One of the men behind the website Save5, dedicated to the men, said he hoped the grim development might show the kidnappers wanted to prove they still had the captives and were ready to deal.

DNA match
 
The weekly magazine News first reported the five fingers had been received and that DNA analysis had shown them to come from the five hostages.

It said US authorities supplied the information to Austria but gave no other information about its source.

Austria`s Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Johannes Kyrle said a fingerprint and DNA sample from Mr Nussbaumer had been received by US authorities.
 
"We have reached no confirmed conclusions about the fate of Nussbaumer," he said.

The magazine quoted "authorities involved" as saying there was no certainty the hostages were alive when the fingers were removed.

It is understood the FBI is involved in the investigation.

The magazine said three messages had been sent by kidnappers but no financial or political demands had been received by Austria.

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Today`s Top Picks

Heatwaves trigger red alert

KNOWN pyromaniacs are today under police watch as soaring temperatures threaten firestorms across three states and put firefighters on red alert.

• Iraq: Severed fingers received in hostage drama
• Tension: Would-be `racist mayor` wants Aborigines out
• Party pest: Corey Worthington up for MTV award

Search for more stories on this topic on Newstext, our news archive service. Click here

Also in News

• Fire danger: Heatwaves trigger red alert
• Grisly delivery: Severed fingers received in hostage drama
• Flyers: Would-be `racist mayor` wants Aborigines out
• Breakfast TV: ABC in push for morning, internet viewers
• Charged: Patel `in high spirits` after first night in jail
• Stable: Girl stung by stingray while wading at beach
• Stuck fast: Woman sat on toilet for two years
• Gongs: Corey Worthington nominated for an MTV award

Video

Watch this Video NOW!

Newton`s Playground

Mt Panorama held its first extreme sports gravity fuelled festival with a concert headlined by Grinspoon.

Latest videos

• Inside Google Australia
• Hot dating tips
• Robot Chicken
• Zeta-Jones in Australia

More Video

Blogroll

Your say

Pampering your pet - is it cool or is it just going too far?

• Ask Bossy: What to do about her moustache?
• Blogocracy: Is the US actually in a recession?
• Splat!: Ever try this on the way to work?
• Jack Marx: An open letter to the United Nations
• Movie Mash: Cinema icons - the sports coach
• Tech:iPhone tarted up for Blackberry war
• Fully Chic: Blogging Melbourne Fashion Festival
• Squanderlust: Money secrets of the rich
• Justin Herald: Tips for starting a business

Advertisement

Love & Relationships - Find a date near you on Match.com - # 1 Online Dating site Worldwide.

 

What`s On in New Zealand. To find out What`s On this autumn visit www.newzealand.com

 

Virgin Mobile Cheap calls & text across Australia.

 

TIC TAC Taste of Music WIN the ultimate music experience 12 double passes to 12 concerts.

 

Get a higher return Earn a high 7.88% p.a.^ on a 3 month Term Deposit with HSBCPremier.

 

Want to be instantly better off? Find the best Health Insurance online now.

 

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• Receive our news feed
  What is RSS?
• Receive our email newsletter
• Send us your news photos
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