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Iraqi Shia cleric's aide 'held'
US troops have arrested the brother-in-law of militant Iraqi Shia cleric Moqtada Sadr, Mr Sadr's office says. Reports of the arrest in Najaf of Sayyed Ryad al-Nuri, a close collaborator of the cleric, have not been confirmed by the US military. | "We have no comment, we'll get back to you" |
US forces are battling Mr Sadr's Mehdi Army around a cemetery which houses some of Shia Islam's holiest shrines. At least four people were killed and 29 wounded as US tanks and helicopters pounded Mr Sadr's positions. The fighting comes a day after the shrine of revered prophet Imam Ali was damaged in fighting. It is not clear who caused the damage. Spokesmen for Mr Sadr said Mr Nuri was arrested in a raid on his home at 0400 (midnight GMT) without a fight. | The big guys rarely fight, they're too important |
The houses of several other aides were raided but none were at home. "This is part of the US military escalation against the Shi'ites," Qais al-Khazali told Reuters news agency. "We've lost hope in negotiations. What is happening is a liquidation of Shi'ites, especially the Sadr movement." In the past few days, the US military has stepped up the pressure on the radical cleric in an offensive it is calling Operation Iron Sabre. Dozens of Mr Sadr's men have been killed, but both sides, it seems, are determined to fight on.
Posted by: Steve 2004-05-26 |
