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| Iraq |
| Bahdad Pet Shop Bombers Iranian-run, not AQI |
| 2007-11-25 |
| Press Conference: Rear Admiral Gregory Smith, Director of Communications, Deputy Spokesman, Multi-National Corps – Iraq AQI is not the only enemy of Iraq whose goals are to destabilize and turn back the clock on the progress made by the Iraqi people. Yesterday in central Baghdad, criminals infiltrated a pet market with a ball bearing-laden bomb disguised inside a birdcage carrying birds, which exploded, killing and injuring scores of innocent Iraqis. In raids overnight, Iraqi and coalition security forces were able to identify and detain four members of a militia extremist group we assess as responsible for this horrific act of indiscriminate violence. Based on subsequent confessions, forensics, and other intelligence, the bombing was the work of an Iranian-backed, special group cell operating here in Baghdad. The group’s purpose was to make it appear al-Qaida had been responsible for this attack. Despite killing innocent Shia and Sunni, the special group’s aim appears to have been to demonstrate to Baghdadis the need for militia groups to continue providing their security inside Baghdad. Again, this bombing demonstrates there are individuals who continue to ignore Muqtada al-Sadr’s pledge of a ceasefire. Iraqi and coalition forces will continue to capture or kill those who choose to dishonor Muqtada’s pledge by committing these acts of indiscriminate violence against innocent Iraqis. It’s the dedication and hard work of Iraqi security forces, Iraqi citizens, and troops like those under Colonel Sutherland that are working to put an end to the tragic events witnessed yesterday in the Shora market. |
| Posted by:Glenmore |