Iraq militants in threat to behead US soldier if prisoners not freed

IRAQI militants are claiming to hold a US soldier hostage and have threatened to behead him in 72 hours unless the US releases Iraqi prisoners.

The website posting included a photo of what appeared to be a US soldier in uniform seated with his hands tied behind his back. A gun barrel was pointed at his head.

"God willing, we will behead him if our female and male prisoners are not released from US prisons within the maximum period of 72 hours from the time this statement has been released," the statement said.