Soldiers 'were bait' in kidnap plot

Feb 2 2007 By Mark Cowan, Birmingham Mail

TWO soldiers who could have been the target in the alleged terror kidnap plot were used in an extraordinary sting operation, it emerged today.

The Muslim servicemen were told of the possible plot to snatch a squaddie and agreed to act as bait to flush out the extremists.

The Birmingham-based soldiers agreed to carry on as normal, telling no-one, as secret army units tracked their every move to ensure their safety.

According to security services, the suspected terror plot involved kidnapping a Muslim soldier from the streets.

He would have been tortured and beheaded in an Iraq-style execution. Footage of the execution would then have been posted on the internet.

It is believed more than 20 servicemen had been identified, but the two soldiers, thought to be in the Territorial Army, were believed to be prime targets.

There was high praise from military chiefs who said the soldiers showed "serious nerve". They were now thought to be in line for top gallantry award.

One source said: "It was a brave thing to do. Effectively they agreed to act as bait without any way of knowing how real the danger was. They had to trust the police."

Another military source added: "These men have shown quite staggering bravery, especially when you consider their young ages.

"Back-up was there for them at all times, but things can always go wrong. They are a fantastic credit to the uniform."

Unconfirmed reports claimed grisly videos of beheadings carried out by masked thugs in Iraq were found at a house raided as part of the operation.

It was also claimed that one of the suspects in the plot was a neighbour of hero Muslim soldier Lance Corporal Jabron Hashmi's family.

Lance Corp Hashmi was killed in Afghanistan last year.

The married father-of-two, a school teacher, was said to have recently moved from the address in Bordesley Green to a semi-detached house in Kingstanding.

Meanwhile, an end-terrace house in Aston was searched by police yesterday.

According to reports three of the nine men being held visited Pakistan in the past year. Officials asked counterparts in Pakistan for assistance n Muslim leaders at Birmingham's Central Mosque will appeal for calm today.

Clerics at the city's main Muslim place of worship will ask the congregation to maintain their poise and dignity.