On March 16 , 1985 , Terry Anderson , chief Middle East Correspondent of the Associated Press was abducted in Beirut , Lebanon . The Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for the kidnapping in their " continuing operations against America and its agents . " On November 8 , 1985 , Anderson writes an open letter to President Reagan and his family . Anderson begins his fourth year in captivity on March 16 , 1988 . He turned 41 on October 27 . Four days later , the Islamic Jihad issues tape to commemorate his birthday . Jan. 16 _ Islamic Jihad distributes another picture of Anderson. On the tape Anderson said he finds " it difficult to keep my hope and courage high . "
On March 16 , 1985 , Terry Anderson , chief Middle East Correspondent of the Associated Press was abducted in Beirut , Lebanon . The Islamic Jihad claims responsibility for the kidnapping in their " continuing operations against America and its agents . " On November 8 , 1985 , Anderson writes an open letter to President Reagan and his family . Anderson begins his fourth year in captivity on March 16 , 1988 . He turned 41 on October 27 . Four days later , the Islamic Jihad issues tape to commemorate his birthday . On the tape Anderson said he finds " it difficult to keep my hope and courage high . "