The United States Defense Department is weighing an invitation from Iraq to send investigators to look into the fate of an American pilot shot down over Iraq during the Gulf War.
Pentagon spokesman David Lapan said the decision is not likely to be made soon.
The pilot, Lieutenant Commander Scott Speicher, was lost when his jet was shot down on the first night of the Gulf War. Initially, Speicher was listed as the first casualty of the war, however last year the Defense Department changed his status from killed in action to missing in action amidst reports he is still alive and is being held captive.
Iraq says Lieutenant Commander Speicher was killed and did not eject, but no human remains were found at the site.
Pentagon officials say Iraq has not been forthcoming about the situation, however they believe it is unlikely the missing pilot is alive. (Albawaba.com)
