| Submit your comments on this article |
| Iraq |
| Tater's aide arrested in Baghdad |
| 2007-01-19 |
| U.S. and Iraqi forces arrested one of Muqtada al-Sadr's top aides Friday in Baghdad, his office said, as pressure increased on the radical Shiite cleric's militia ahead of a planned security crackdown in the capital. Al-Sadr said in an interview with an Italian newspaper published Friday that the crackdown had already begun and that 400 of his men had been arrested. La Repubblica also quoted him as saying he fears for his life and stays constantly on the move. The raid came as Defense Secretary Robert Gates began his second trip to Iraq in less than a month, arriving in the southern city of Basra to consult with British and other allied commanders. Sheik Abdul-Hadi al-Darraji, al-Sadr's media director in Baghdad, was captured and his personal guard was killed, according to another senior al-Sadr aide. "We strongly condemn this cowardly act," said Sheik Abdul-Zahra al-Suweiadi. The U.S. military said special Iraqi army forces operating with coalition advisers captured a high-level, illegal armed group leader in Baladiyat, an eastern neighborhood near al-Sadr's stronghold. It did not identify the detainee, but said two other suspects were detained by Iraqi forces for further questioning. |
| Posted by:BrerRabbit |
| #9 Or maybe someone can photshop that nice smile onto a Mr. Tater head? |
| Posted by: Evil Elvis 2007-01-19 15:12 |
| #8 Can we get a "Mouth of Sauron" pic up please? Here is a nice one: Mouth of Sauron |
| Posted by: Evil Elvis 2007-01-19 15:11 |
| #7 The troops raided a mosque in Baghdad to get him, which may show that initial reluctance to enter the worship sites has faded. This indicates a welcome change in the rules of engagement only if it was the American troops that entered the mosque. Up 'til now they've been letting the Iraqis handle that end of things while they've guarded the surrounding area. Nonetheless, a very good thing, indeed. I wonder who they find on his cell phone? |
| Posted by: trailing wife 2007-01-19 11:48 |
| #6 a very good thing |
| Posted by: Martha 2007-01-19 11:19 |
| #5 Moqtada: "Let them kill us." Us: "Hokay!" |
| Posted by: eLarson 2007-01-19 11:01 |
| #4 This is good news indeed. Looks like that proposed change in the ROE truely is the major Iraq policy change that can and will turn this fight. Finally with the Irbil raids and now the Mehdi hits even on mosque of all places we are finally going with the get er done policy. If Maliki don't like it he can cry baby to his people on how he disapproves and is powerless giving him a out or he can tell US to leave (bwhahah right). All these sudden changes and moves almost make a person think we are solidifying current gains securing current territory and prepping for a next phase WOT ops? Hmmm I am really starting to believe ole Bush didn't lose his balls to the LLL 6yr full alt seditionist assualt we have endured on the homefront. |
| Posted by: C-Low 2007-01-19 10:51 |
| #3 He should claim he's Tater's dentist. They'd *have* to let him go, everyone *knows* Tater don't got no dentist... |
| Posted by: Seafarious 2007-01-19 10:41 |
| #2 Captain Ed notes: The US believes that Darraji does more for Sadr than just schedule television appearances. While they did not refer to Darraji by name, they noted that the main suspect detained has involvement with death squads. One of those affiliated with Darraji may be Abu Diraa, a particularly notorious and brutal death squad commander in Baghdad -- and that might have been the reason they snatched Darraji. His central position in the organization would mean he possesses information that would be very attractive to American intel units. Another interesting point about Darraji's arrest is where it took place. The troops raided a mosque in Baghdad to get him, which may show that initial reluctance to enter the worship sites has faded. This might be the best indicator of how seriously the Americans and Iraqis take this mission. They're not out to win hearts and minds with this phase of the new strategy, but to find and destroy the enemy. This is reminiscent of the action taken in 2004 against the Mahdis, before Sadr wisely capitulated in return for his freedom |
| Posted by: Frank G 2007-01-19 10:26 |
| #1 In the interview with La Repubblica, al-Sadr said his militias would not fight back during the Muslim holy month of Muharram, saying it was against the faith to kill at that time. "Let them kill us. For a true believer there is no better moment than this to die: Heaven is ensured," he was quoted as saying. "After Muharram, we'll see." Fuck you, pussy. Looks like this time maybe they're sick of your shit and you'll get your chance to back those words up. At least I hope so. |
| Posted by: tu3031 2007-01-19 10:02 |
