American Prisoners Of War Abducted, Tortured And Executed By The Islamic State Of Iraq Seek Justice From Syria

The Complaint alleges that ISI, then under the leadership of Abu Ayyub al-Masri, kidnapped the men while manning an observation post, held them in captivity, tortured them, and the executed them, which replicated other atrocities committed on U.S. servicemen in Iraq.  ISI claimed responsibility for the killings in video and online broadcasts.  An ISI prisoner later led U.S. forces to their bodies, which were identified by the Armed Forces Medical Examiner using DNA technology.   Many U.S. citizens were killed or injured in attacks carried out in Iraq by groups supported by the government of Syria, and its support was never withdrawn.

The plaintiffs are represented by Ron Jenkins of Meridian 361 International Law Group, PLLC and Steve Perles of the Perles Law Firm, PC. They have represented terror victims in numerous lawsuits against foreign state sponsors of terrorism brought under federal legislation that waives foreign sovereign immunity for certain states that have provided material support or sponsorship to terrorist organizations. 

Last year, the legal team obtained a judgment against Syria for the kidnapping, torture and execution of two other U.S. Army prisoners of war, SSgt Matt Maupin and Private First Class Kristian Menchaca, by al-Qaeda in Iraq under the leadership of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi. Syria was held responsible for the assassination of U.S. diplomat Laurence Foley by Jama'at al-Tawhid wal-Jihad in Amman, Jordan in 2002 in the same case.  The Court stated poignantly in its judgment: "Plaintiffs state that they 'would like to use this proceeding to send out a very clear message of deterrence' to those 'who are contemplating funding or otherwise material[ly] supporting terrorist organizations that would murder United States citizens, particularly United States citizens who are killed in service to the United States.' The Court hopes that Plaintiffs find some solace in that purpose."

Litigation against state sponsors of terrorist organizations is an important part of the struggle against international terrorism.  Without the safe haven, equipment, financial resources and travel mobility provided by state sponsors, terrorist organizations cannot operate as effectively.  Syria has been included on the official list of state sponsors of terrorism maintained by the U.S. State Department longer than any other State.    

SOURCE Meridian 361 International Law Group, PLLC