Safe

Good news out of Baghdad:

Special forces from the U.S.-led coalition have raided a hideout south of Baghdad and freed three Italian hostages held for almost two months and a Pole abducted last week, coalition officials say.

The commander of U.S. forces in Iraq, Lieutenant General Ricardo Sanchez, said some of the kidnappers were seized during the operation on Tuesday which was conducted without a shot being fired. Italy said no deal had been cut with the hostage-takers.

“At this point in time the hostages are in coalition control, in good hands, and in good health,” Sanchez told a news conference in Baghdad, flanked by Italian and Polish diplomats.

Way to go, Special Forces. Next up, getting Iraqi Army units in on the action.