Al-Qaida want to capture woman, claims report

Al-Qaida fighters in Iraq are desperate to capture a female coalition soldier, it was reported today.

Insurgents serving under Abu Musab Zarqawi believe that by parading a servicewoman before the cameras they could further dent public support for action in Iraq.

Two US defence sources told the Washington Times that additional security measures are now being taken to prevent soldiers being captured in Iraq.

Defence officials also fear that the insurgents want to capture a woman as “payback” for the abuse perpetrated by some women against Iraqi detainees at Abu Ghraib prison.

Jordanian-born Zarqawi is believed to have personally beheaded American hostage Nicholas Berg on camera. The gruesome footage was released on the internet.

The crimes have made Zarqawi the most wanted man in Iraq.