Akihiko Saito

Akihiko Saito was a Japanese security guard who was taken hostage by the Jaish Ansar al-Sunna in Iraq in 2005, and later died in captivity of wounds he had received in an earlier gunbattle.

He had the rank of Sargent-Chef when he served in the French Foreign Legion [http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20050512f1.html Saito just one of many Japanese in French Foreign Legion: ex-legionnaire.] Retrieved on April 25, 2008.] .

JGSDF career

Prior to entering the French Foreign Legion, he had served in the JGSDF in the 1st Airborne Brigade in 1979 [ [http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20050511a4.html Kidnapping reveals a Japanese warrior.] Retrieved on April 25, 2008.] before he left in 1981 [http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20050512f1.html Saito just one of many Japanese in French Foreign Legion: ex-legionnaire.] Retrieved on April 25, 2008.] .

Post Legion career

Akihiko Saito had been working with Hart Security Ltd. as a security specialist prior to his abduction by armed Jaish Ansar al-Sunna militants. [ [http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20050511a1.html Security specialist kidnapped in Iraq.] Retrieved on April 25, 2008.]

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