Responsibility
The Islamic State of Iraq claimed responsibility for capturing the three soldiers on May 14, stating that the attack was another reprisal for the Mahmudiyah incident in which 14-year old Abeer Qassim Hamza was raped by U.S. soldiers before being murdered along with her family. The group issued a statement, saying "What you are doing in searching for your soldiers will lead to nothing but exhaustion and headaches. Your soldiers are in our hands. If you want their safety, do not look for them."
On March 22, 2009, the U.S. Army filed a complaint against 12 Islamic State of Iraq members suspected of taking part in the ambush. All were in custody.
Read more about this topic: May 2007 Abduction Of US Soldiers In Iraq