Iraqi travelers part of ‘unfortunate situation’

updated 12:18 p.m. ET Aug. 30, 2007

SAN DIEGO - American Airlines flight 590 from San Diego finally made it to Chicago late yesterday, after being delayed in an incident involving passengers heard speaking Arabic.

It turns out six Iraqi men on board work for a defense contractor and were reportedly taking the overnight flight home after a job at Camp Pendleton training Marines headed for Iraq.

Their boss says some of the other passengers complained after hearing them speak Arabic. Everybody was ordered off the plane. According to the airline, law officers questioned the men and then quickly let them go. But by that time it was too late for the plane to take off until Wednesday morning.

The defense contractor CEO calls it "an unfortunate situation," saying his men did nothing wrong.

One of the Iraqis questions their treatment, saying all they're trying to do is help Americans.

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