SYDNEY—Australia sent a special hostage rescue team to Iraq as it tried to unravel the mystery surrounding claims that Islamic militants had kidnapped two Australian security guards, officials said Wednesday.

A deadline set by the alleged kidnappers to kill their captives if Australia did not announce plans to withdraw its troops from Iraq within 24 hours passed overnight with no news from the militants.

Premium + Digital Edition

Ad-free access


P 80 per month
(billed annually at P 960)
  • Unlimited ad-free access to website articles
  • Limited offer: Subscribe today and get digital edition access for free (accessible with up to 3 devices)

TRY FREE FOR 14 DAYS
See details
See details