A photograph of what Islamic militants claimed was a captured U.S. soldier in Iraq turns out to be a toy action figure. The would-be hostage is better known as "Special Ops Cody," a military action figure created by Dragon Models USA.

A militant group calling itself the Al Mujahedeen Brigade posted a photograph of the doll with a gun to his head, claiming that it was a kidnapped soldier named John Adam. The group threatened to behead him if Iraqi prisoners were not released by U.S. forces. There is no word yet on the fate of the doll.

View a series of amusing parodies inspired by the toy hostage hoax.

• Related: Iraq War Humor, Iraq Cartoons & Pictures, Today's News