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Iraq-Jordan
Iraqi Shia cleric's aide 'held'
2004-05-26
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."
About damm time
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.
Works for me.
Posted by:Steve

#6  What is happening is a liquidation of Shi'ites, especially the Sadr movement."

And a richly deserved one at that, too. Er ... what was this guy's point?
Posted by: Zenster   2004-05-26 1:45:37 PM  

#5  Are there any of those crazy Wackenhut types in Iraq? Whoever is holding al-Nouri should give custody of him to those guys for a while. A little abuse/humiliation wouldn't hurt....
Posted by: Bomb-a-rama   2004-05-26 10:46:03 AM  

#4  Confirmed: A prominent aide to renegade Shiite Muslim cleric Muqtada al-Sadr was arrested early Wednesday in Najaf, according to U.S. military officials and a representative of al-Sadr's office. Riyad al-Nori was arrested at his house as Army forces carried out a series of raids in the south-central Iraqi city, officials said. Al-Nori is one of several al-Sadr supporters accused in last year's killing of Ayatollah Abdul Majid al-Khoei in Najaf.
U.S. forces also raided the house of Fo'ad al-Tofi -- an official spokesman for al-Sadr -- but he was not home at the time. Three of al-Tofi's brothers were taken into custody and are being held at a U.S. base. Shortly after the raids, a U.S. C-130 aircraft fired on militia members who were shooting at U.S. troops, military officials said. A hospital official in Najaf said 11 people were killed and 60 others wounded during the conflict Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.
Posted by: Steve   2004-05-26 10:12:12 AM  

#3  look to hear more "negotiations are ongoing!" talk fom Sadr's Myrmidon's while they are erased from this veil of tears...wishful thinking on the spokesholes' parts
Posted by: Frank G   2004-05-26 10:09:36 AM  

#2  These jerks always claim they want to be martyrs, but somehow never seem to make it. Lots of his "army" are fried, but you know Tater will not allow himself to be mashed.
Posted by: Spot   2004-05-26 10:01:25 AM  

#1  I'm looking forward to "Operation Impalement Pole."
Posted by: Anonymoose   2004-05-26 9:52:52 AM  

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