Terrorist kidnappings continue to rise

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The use of kidnapping as a terrorist tactic has declined in Iraq, but has surged elsewhere.Figures from the Defense Intelligence Agency show the number of people seized by terrorist and insurgent organizations soared from 342 in 2004 to more than 1,500 last year. And it appears that number will be topped this year.Analysts say a non-American is more likely to be targeted if the objective is cash. An American is more likely to be the target if it's for propaganda or terror purposes. U.S. military hostages are almost guaranteed execution.Thirty-nine Americans have been taken hostage since 2003 in Iraq, and 22 are known to have been killed.Countries where kidnappings have increased most sharply include Nigeria and Somalia. Most of the kidnappings in Nigeria are associated with oil facilities, while most of those in Somalia involve pirates.

Somali troops free cargo ship held for 5 days http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/10/ap_pirates_somalia_101408/