Today, the Iraqi radio news service announced that a "large number" of Italian hostages - some news reports in Italy suggested 70 - would be freed soon.

They overcome the resistance of the minimal defense left holding the camp and free not only Peter but also an Italian hostage held there as well.

In April, fighters killed one of four Italian hostages but released the others.

The official said the body was not that of a soldier and was not believed to be one of the three surviving Italian hostages captured last month.

A fourth Italian hostage was killed by militants who had demanded that Italy withdraw its troops from Iraq.

At least eight Americans are believed held by various organizations, in addition to 10 others, including Britons, Swiss and Italian hostages.

In reality, only one Italian hostage had been killed and one wounded.

But the deadline came and went - and the emir had a new idea: the Italian hostages and I would lead an attack against American troops.

On Sunday, Iraqi officials praised Italy's generosity and suggested that dozens of Italian hostages would soon be freed.

Arabic text in the clip described Italy as "the infidel state" and said that "the Italian hostage entered our land only to spread corruption".