The Department of Defense announced today a change in the status of a soldier serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom from duty status whereabouts unknown (DUSTWUN) to missing-captured.

Spc. Ahmed K. Altaie, 41, of Ann Arbor, Mich., was declared missing-captured on Dec. 11.

On Oct. 23, Altaie was categorized as DUSTWUN when he allegedly was kidnapped while on his way to visit family in Baghdad, Iraq. The soldier is assigned to the Provincial Reconstruction Team Baghdad.

Efforts continue to obtain the successful and safe return of Altaie.

For further information related to the situation, contact the Coalition Press Information Center-Baghdad at (703) 270-0299 or (703) 270-0320.

Change-in-status questions can be directed to Shari Lawrence, deputy public affairs officer, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Alexandria, Va., at (703) 325-8856.

For the public affairs officer assisting Altaie's family, contact the Michigan National Guard public affairs office, at (517) 481-8140.