An Islamic website said on Tuesday that an Iraqi insurgent group threatened to kill a US soldier they have captured unless Iraqi prisoners are released.

An Islamic website said on Tuesday that an Iraqi insurgent group threatened to kill a US soldier they have captured unless Iraqi prisoners are released.

The group, calling itself Mujahedeen Squadrons, said in a statement posted on the web they are holding John Adam and will kill him within 72 hours if Iraqi prisoners are not freed.

The group also claimed they also killed several other US soldiers.

The authenticity of the undated statement could not be verified.

There was also a posted picture showing the captive held at gunpoint with hands tied behind.

Iraqi insurgents often resort to kidnapping and hostage killing as part of their campaign to drive out foreign troops.