WASHINGTON, July 30: A US colonel in Iraq kidnapped a wanted Iraqi general’s wife and daughter, leaving a note saying “if you want them back then turn yourself in,” a report said Tuesday.

US Colonel David Hogg, commander of the 2nd Brigade of the 4th Infantry Division, said tougher methods are being used to gather intelligence, according to the Washington Post.

Last week, he said, his troops picked up the wife and daughter of an Iraqi lieutenant general. They left a note reading: “If you want your family released, turn yourself in.”

The tactic worked. Hogg said the Iraqi general appeared at the front gate of the US base and surrendered two days later.

Such tactics are justified, Hogg said, because, “It’s an intelligence operation with detainees, and these people have info.”

Hostage-taking of civilians during war is a crime under the Geneva Conventions.—dpa