Marine Says Was Captured in Iraq, Didn't Desert
Mon Jul 19, 2004 04:12 PM ET
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By Will Dunham
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - In his first public explanation of his disappearance in Iraq a month ago, a U.S. Marine said on Monday he was captured and held against his will and did not desert the military.
But the Marines said they were as yet unable to confirm the account given by Lebanese-born Cpl. Wassef Ali Hassoun, who made a brief statement to reporters at a Marine Corps base in Quantico, Virginia, 35 miles south of Washington.
"We're not in a position at this point to make a judgment either way," said Lt. Col. Dave Lapan, a Marine Corps spokesman.
"We are still gathering facts and information. And until that process is complete, at this point we are supporting our young Marine in bringing him back from a very harrowing ordeal and supporting his return to duty," Lapan said.
Hassoun, who took no questions during his appearance, said that "in the name of God, I'm glad to come home," and thanked those who prayed for him, supported him and looked for him.
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