CHAPTER 118—WAR CRIMES
§ 2441. War crimes
(d) (1) (I) TAKING HOSTAGES.—The act of a person who, having knowingly seized or detained one or more persons, threatens to kill, injure, or continue to detain such person or persons with the intent of compelling any nation, person other than the hostage, or group of persons to act or refrain from act-ing as an explicit or implicit condition for the safety or release of such person or persons.
EDIT.