Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Insurgents target Iraqi interpreters in Basra
Security
(UPI) - There were unconfirmed reports Monday Iraqi insurgents targeting Basra citizens who worked for British forces had abducted and killed a former interpreter. Police Col. Ali Manshed told a Times of London correspondent the bullet-riddled body of Moayed Ahmed Khalaf had been found dumped in a city street.
Three other sources said about 10 men stormed the man's house and beat him in front of his wife and mother before taking him away. While the sources said Khalaf had worked as an interpreter for British forces, a military spokesman told the newspaper the army could find no record of Khalaf's employment.
Iraqis who worked for the British are considered collaborators by insurgents and when the British turned over their downtown Basra post to the Iraqi army two weeks ago, Iraqi officials warned former employees to seek safety elsewhere. "All the people who worked for the British forces are not safe now," Manshed told the newspaper. "Even people who quit one or two years ago are in danger."
Three other sources said about 10 men stormed the man's house and beat him in front of his wife and mother before taking him away. While the sources said Khalaf had worked as an interpreter for British forces, a military spokesman told the newspaper the army could find no record of Khalaf's employment.
Iraqis who worked for the British are considered collaborators by insurgents and when the British turned over their downtown Basra post to the Iraqi army two weeks ago, Iraqi officials warned former employees to seek safety elsewhere. "All the people who worked for the British forces are not safe now," Manshed told the newspaper. "Even people who quit one or two years ago are in danger."
Labels: Basra, Basrah, British military, insurgents, Iraqi interpreters, Moayed Ahmed Khalaf
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Heavy Weapons And Aircraft To Increase Security In Basrah
Politics, Security
(Al Mada Newspaper) - 10 SEP - Basrah’s Operation Commander, General Mohan Hamidh Al Firaji, said the government will provide heavy weapons and aircraft for the security forces in Basrah. During the conference that was held in the Sadr office in Basrah, Al Firaji said the security forces in Basrah received heavy weapons such as tanks and other weapons.
Al Firaji said, “This week an Iraqi Air Force squadron should arrive to increase security in the city which we all want to be peaceful and secure.” Al Firaji continued by saying, “The security forces cannot keep security in any city without the help of the citizens and we are looking forward to Basrah’s citizens’ assistance to increase security because security is a national responsibility.” Gen. Al Firaji was appointed by Prime Minister, Nuri Al Maliki after the removal of the last security committee six weeks ago.
On Saturday, the Sadr office in Basrah held a conference named “Security and Stabilization.” This conference was attended by all national and religious parties as well as tribal sheikhs and prominent individuals. The conference was also attended by security commanders in Basrah.
On the security side, a source from the Oil Protection Force said that three benzene tankers were captured west of Basrah in separate operations. These tankers were heading to other governorates. On Saturday, the security and emergency forces caught two tankers. Each tanker was loaded with about 36,000 liters on the highway near Zubba oil field, 50 KM west of Basrah. The tankers were on their way to smuggle their fuel to other governorates. The two drivers were arrested and were carrying false documents.
The source added that the northern Basrah force captured another benzene tanker near the Al Tuba oil storage facility, 45 KM west of Basrah. It was loaded with 36,000 liters of fuel. In Basrah, there is a network of main oil pipe lines routed between the governorates or for export. These pipelines are often attacked by smugglers because they are difficult to secure due to their remote locations.
Al Firaji said, “This week an Iraqi Air Force squadron should arrive to increase security in the city which we all want to be peaceful and secure.” Al Firaji continued by saying, “The security forces cannot keep security in any city without the help of the citizens and we are looking forward to Basrah’s citizens’ assistance to increase security because security is a national responsibility.” Gen. Al Firaji was appointed by Prime Minister, Nuri Al Maliki after the removal of the last security committee six weeks ago.
On Saturday, the Sadr office in Basrah held a conference named “Security and Stabilization.” This conference was attended by all national and religious parties as well as tribal sheikhs and prominent individuals. The conference was also attended by security commanders in Basrah.
On the security side, a source from the Oil Protection Force said that three benzene tankers were captured west of Basrah in separate operations. These tankers were heading to other governorates. On Saturday, the security and emergency forces caught two tankers. Each tanker was loaded with about 36,000 liters on the highway near Zubba oil field, 50 KM west of Basrah. The tankers were on their way to smuggle their fuel to other governorates. The two drivers were arrested and were carrying false documents.
The source added that the northern Basrah force captured another benzene tanker near the Al Tuba oil storage facility, 45 KM west of Basrah. It was loaded with 36,000 liters of fuel. In Basrah, there is a network of main oil pipe lines routed between the governorates or for export. These pipelines are often attacked by smugglers because they are difficult to secure due to their remote locations.
The first pipeline is the first strategic line north of Al Rumaila Al Shamaliya. The second main pipeline is the National Investment Pipeline which is also in Al Rumaila Al Shamaliya. The pump pipeline is located in Zubayr One. There is also the Bazargan to Faw pipeline and the Nahr Omr to Shatt Al Basrah Pipeline, the Al Hizma Al Sharqiya Pipeline and the Iraqi / Saudi Pipeline (Zubayr Two to Al Majiz).
Labels: Basra Oil Protection Force, Basrah, fuel tankers, General Mohan Hamidh Al Firaji, smuggling, Zubba oilfield
Conference Held For Basrah’s Political Powers
Politics
(Al Mashriq Newspaper) - 10 SEP - Yesterday, Basrah’s Sadr Office held a conference which was attended by political and religious powers. The attendees included: Representatives of the “National Movement” (a small political front) which consists of eight democratic parties, and Saabists, (a minority religious group). Fadhila Party did not attend this conference; because, Fadhila Party has “deep disputes” with the Sadr Office.
Sheikh Abd Al Razaq Al Nadawi, the Manager of the Sadr Office in Basrah called for the issuing of a “fatwa” which forbids Iraqi bloodshed. And (Sheikh Al Nadawi), also called for the Chiefs (Sheikhs) of all the Tribes to: stop disputes, and work to achieve “unified speech and positions” (common ground). Then, Al Nadawi asked the Civil Community Organizations to: activate dialogue and National Reconciliation…and adopt “national attitudes” to deal with all opinions.
[It is worthy to note that] This Conference was held after the huge celebrations…which began on Friday… after the British forces signed the decision to withdraw their troops from (Basrah’s) Presidential Palaces. The celebration (marches, parades, and convoys of cars loaded with rejoicing people) ended in Basrah’s Al Hussein area…which is the (area of Basrah with) the most Mahdi Army “bases.”
Al Nadawi (the Manager of the Sadr Office in Basrah) also warned American troops not to enter Basrah; he said, “The Occupation forces are not included in the truce! ‘Freezing’ Mahdi Army activities do not include ‘freezing’ its actions against American troops!" According to many observers, the Sadr Office in Basrah held this conference… called the “Security and Stabilization Conference”… in order to:
Calm the local and national government, and
Decrease local residents’ fears that the Mahdi Army will take control of (all) of Basrah’s security and community services…after the British withdraw from Basrah’s Presidential Palaces.
Basrah’s “Operations Commander” – General Mohan Hafidh said, during the conference, that the (Iraqi) Security Forces have the ability to maintain security (keep the peace)…if the people, parties, and social sects cooperate with the security forces. He also said that the mission of his forces is to: pressure criminals and outlaws to abandon their own (selfish) loyalties. He also said: the (Iraqi) aircraft will soon arrive…within two weeks from now.
Sheikh Abd Al Razaq Al Nadawi, the Manager of the Sadr Office in Basrah called for the issuing of a “fatwa” which forbids Iraqi bloodshed. And (Sheikh Al Nadawi), also called for the Chiefs (Sheikhs) of all the Tribes to: stop disputes, and work to achieve “unified speech and positions” (common ground). Then, Al Nadawi asked the Civil Community Organizations to: activate dialogue and National Reconciliation…and adopt “national attitudes” to deal with all opinions.
[It is worthy to note that] This Conference was held after the huge celebrations…which began on Friday… after the British forces signed the decision to withdraw their troops from (Basrah’s) Presidential Palaces. The celebration (marches, parades, and convoys of cars loaded with rejoicing people) ended in Basrah’s Al Hussein area…which is the (area of Basrah with) the most Mahdi Army “bases.”
Al Nadawi (the Manager of the Sadr Office in Basrah) also warned American troops not to enter Basrah; he said, “The Occupation forces are not included in the truce! ‘Freezing’ Mahdi Army activities do not include ‘freezing’ its actions against American troops!" According to many observers, the Sadr Office in Basrah held this conference… called the “Security and Stabilization Conference”… in order to:
Calm the local and national government, and
Decrease local residents’ fears that the Mahdi Army will take control of (all) of Basrah’s security and community services…after the British withdraw from Basrah’s Presidential Palaces.
Basrah’s “Operations Commander” – General Mohan Hafidh said, during the conference, that the (Iraqi) Security Forces have the ability to maintain security (keep the peace)…if the people, parties, and social sects cooperate with the security forces. He also said that the mission of his forces is to: pressure criminals and outlaws to abandon their own (selfish) loyalties. He also said: the (Iraqi) aircraft will soon arrive…within two weeks from now.
Labels: Basrah, Fadhela party, fatwas, General Mohan Hafidh, National Movement, Saabists, Sadr office, Sheikh Abd Al Razaq Al Nadawi, tribes
Monday, September 10, 2007
Basrah’s Sadr Office Official Warns Americans: Do Not Enter Basrah
Security, Politics
(Addustour Newspaper) - 9 SEP - An official in Basrah’s Sadr Office warned, “US forces, do not enter Basrah…and try to take the place of the British forces.” Abd Al Razaq Al Nidawi delivered a speech in the Martyr Abu Qadr’s Square, located in western Basrah’s Hussein area. This speech was made at the end of a procession/parade of cars full of Sadr Movement followers who had driven through Basrah’s streets in celebration of the withdrawal of British forces from Basrah’s Presidential Palaces.
In this speech Al Nidawi said, “We congratulate Basrah’s residents because, we have defeated the British forces! We warn the US forces, not to take the place of the defeated British forces!” He added, “Although we were patient for a long time while defeating the British forces we will not be patient at all with the American forces if they attempt to enter Basrah!”
Al Nidawi continued, “The goal of the events in Karbala was to cause the spread of sectarian sedition. Sayid Muqtada Al Sadr has made a wise decision about ‘freezing’ the Mahdi Army in order to confront sedition. He (Al Sadr) wants to restructure the (Mahdi) Army in order to prevent anyone from infiltrating it or (falsely) using its’ name.” Al Nidawi went on, “The Occupation is not included in this decision (about the Mahdi Army). Resisting the Occupation is a legal (legitimate) action; we will not stop resisting them.”
Al Nidawi continued, “The goal of the events in Karbala was to cause the spread of sectarian sedition. Sayid Muqtada Al Sadr has made a wise decision about ‘freezing’ the Mahdi Army in order to confront sedition. He (Al Sadr) wants to restructure the (Mahdi) Army in order to prevent anyone from infiltrating it or (falsely) using its’ name.” Al Nidawi went on, “The Occupation is not included in this decision (about the Mahdi Army). Resisting the Occupation is a legal (legitimate) action; we will not stop resisting them.”
On Wednesday, the ceremony for the official signing of the memorandum which handed over responsibility for Basrah’s Presidential Palaces from the British forces, to the Iraqi government was completed.
Labels: Abd Al Razaq Al Nidawi, Basrah, British forces, Sadr movement, U.S. forces
Sadr Movement Holding Conference To Discuss Security Situation After British Withdrawal
Security, Politics
(Azzaman Newspaper) - 9 SEP - The Sadr Movement has confirmed that the Mahdi Army “Companies” have been abiding by Sayid Muqtada Al Sadr’s order regarding the suspension of Mahdi Army activities for six months. The Mahdi Army Commander in Basrah, Nazzar Al Hammada, has threatened that they will carry weapons against any foreign forces that attempt to replace the British forces in the center of the city.
He added that the Sadr Movement will organize a conference in the city for the purpose of determining the Mahdi Army’s role now that the British forces have withdrawn. Sadr Movement Parliament member, Maha Al Douri said, “The statement of Sayid Muqtada Al Sadr regarding the suspension of the Mahdi Army’s activities is clear and the Army has been abiding by this statement. No violations have been committed yet.”
Regarding the statement of the Mahdi Army Commander in Basrah, Nazzar Al Hammada, Al Douri added, “I have not received any information yet. The Mahdi Army has its own command and is following its orders.”
Radio Sawa, based on the statements of Al Hammada, mentioned that the Mahdi Army will not pursue the British forces as long as they remain outside the city. Mahdi Army members will not carry weapons inside the city. The Mahdi Army will not disarm itself and rejects the agreement that was recently signed between 18 political entities in Basrah. This agreement was signed under the supervision of Basrah Operations Commander, Mohan Al Firaji.
Al Hammada, who also runs the Sadr Movement’s Martyrs of God Institution, said that the Sadr Movement will hold a conference in the city for the purpose of determining the Mahdi Army’s role now that the British forces have withdrawn. Regarding carrying weapons against foreign forces, Al Hammada added, “Resistance is the only option against any British or American presence. The Mahdi Army has no intention of raising weapons against the Iraqi governmental forces. The Mahdi Army’s goal is to maintain security.”
On the other, Maha Al Douri said, “The Sadr Movement has its obvious role and impact in Basrah’s streets. The Movement works to serve Basrah society. The Mahdi Army was the first to carry weapons as public resistance against the occupation and now we have been hearing many leaders claim that they lead the patriotic resistance but they all wear masks hiding their identity.” Regarding the security in Basrah, Al Douri said, “Basrah is secure and the British force’s withdrawal from Basrah is a victory and a clear defeat brought by the resistance. But the media has not covered it well.”
About the conference that will be held in Basrah regarding Mahdi Army’s role, Al Douri said, “If there is any direction from the Sadr Movement, this conference will be a success and will be good for the Iraqi people. But here I object to any claims against such a conference. Many political parties have held such conferences in Basrah.”
On the other hand, the Defense Minister’s advisor for the southern region, Majid Al Saari, believes that the British force’s withdrawal from central Basrah will lead to improvement of the political and security situations. Yesterday, Al Saari told Azzaman Newspaper, “Since the beginning, the British forces have not solved the security situation; rather, it was part of the security problem.”
Regarding the readiness of the army and IP in Basrah, Al Saari said, “The military and security forces are able to control security in Basrah and to fill the gap left by the British force’s withdrawal. We are still working to deal with the infiltration of the military and security forces.”
He added that the Sadr Movement will organize a conference in the city for the purpose of determining the Mahdi Army’s role now that the British forces have withdrawn. Sadr Movement Parliament member, Maha Al Douri said, “The statement of Sayid Muqtada Al Sadr regarding the suspension of the Mahdi Army’s activities is clear and the Army has been abiding by this statement. No violations have been committed yet.”
Regarding the statement of the Mahdi Army Commander in Basrah, Nazzar Al Hammada, Al Douri added, “I have not received any information yet. The Mahdi Army has its own command and is following its orders.”
Radio Sawa, based on the statements of Al Hammada, mentioned that the Mahdi Army will not pursue the British forces as long as they remain outside the city. Mahdi Army members will not carry weapons inside the city. The Mahdi Army will not disarm itself and rejects the agreement that was recently signed between 18 political entities in Basrah. This agreement was signed under the supervision of Basrah Operations Commander, Mohan Al Firaji.
Al Hammada, who also runs the Sadr Movement’s Martyrs of God Institution, said that the Sadr Movement will hold a conference in the city for the purpose of determining the Mahdi Army’s role now that the British forces have withdrawn. Regarding carrying weapons against foreign forces, Al Hammada added, “Resistance is the only option against any British or American presence. The Mahdi Army has no intention of raising weapons against the Iraqi governmental forces. The Mahdi Army’s goal is to maintain security.”
On the other, Maha Al Douri said, “The Sadr Movement has its obvious role and impact in Basrah’s streets. The Movement works to serve Basrah society. The Mahdi Army was the first to carry weapons as public resistance against the occupation and now we have been hearing many leaders claim that they lead the patriotic resistance but they all wear masks hiding their identity.” Regarding the security in Basrah, Al Douri said, “Basrah is secure and the British force’s withdrawal from Basrah is a victory and a clear defeat brought by the resistance. But the media has not covered it well.”
About the conference that will be held in Basrah regarding Mahdi Army’s role, Al Douri said, “If there is any direction from the Sadr Movement, this conference will be a success and will be good for the Iraqi people. But here I object to any claims against such a conference. Many political parties have held such conferences in Basrah.”
On the other hand, the Defense Minister’s advisor for the southern region, Majid Al Saari, believes that the British force’s withdrawal from central Basrah will lead to improvement of the political and security situations. Yesterday, Al Saari told Azzaman Newspaper, “Since the beginning, the British forces have not solved the security situation; rather, it was part of the security problem.”
Regarding the readiness of the army and IP in Basrah, Al Saari said, “The military and security forces are able to control security in Basrah and to fill the gap left by the British force’s withdrawal. We are still working to deal with the infiltration of the military and security forces.”
The Sadr Movement Office in Basrah has described the British forces withdrawal there as a historical moment. Azzaman Newspaper has received a copy of a statement issued by the Sadr Movement in Basrah, which states, “There were three main factors that led to this withdrawal: First, your patience and the burdens you have bared; Second, the honorable resistance which taught the occupiers lessons through the Imam Mahdi Army’s attacks; And third, the encouragement of the British peoples’ attitude which pressed the Brown and Blair governments.
Labels: Basrah, British forces, Mahdi Army, Martyrs of God Institution, Mohan Al Firaji, Nazzar Al Hammada, Sadr movement
Friday, August 17, 2007
Al Rubaie Gives Jordanians Option Of Kirkuk’s Or Basrah’s Oil
Regional
(Al Mowaten Newspaper) - 16 AUG - Yesterday, National Security Advisor, Dr. Muwaffaq Al Rubaie, held a press conference in Amman to explain the results of his visit to Jordan. At the beginning of the conference, Al Rubaie confirmed that his visit was serious and frank. He added that he discussed the reasons behind the violence and said, “The violence in Iraq is because regional interests [conflicts] are being dealt with in Iraq. There is no sectarian war in Iraq but it is a war between extremists of all sects. Both countries have agreed that they are in one boat to fight Al Qaida, extremists and sectarianism. The threats to Iraq’s national security are threats to Jordan’s national security as well. Jordan supports Iraq’s political process and [Al Maliki’s] government.”
Regarding Iraq’s delay in implementing the agreement that was approved during the Jordanian PM’s visit to Iraq a year ago concerning providing Jordan with 50,000 barrels of oil a day at special prices, Al Rubaie said, “The security situation is the reason for delaying this agreement and the oil pipe line to Jordan has been sabotaged. We have presented two options to the Jordanians. These are to receive oil from either Basrah’s or Kirkuk’s oil fields. Basrah’s oil contains ingredients that are not compatible with Jordan’s refineries. We have been promised by the Jordanians that they will respond to us after studying the two options.” Al Rubaie concluded his statement saying, “The brothers in Jordan offered to support us and have promised that they will offer as much as they can to the Iraqis who are living in Jordan.”
Regarding Iraq’s delay in implementing the agreement that was approved during the Jordanian PM’s visit to Iraq a year ago concerning providing Jordan with 50,000 barrels of oil a day at special prices, Al Rubaie said, “The security situation is the reason for delaying this agreement and the oil pipe line to Jordan has been sabotaged. We have presented two options to the Jordanians. These are to receive oil from either Basrah’s or Kirkuk’s oil fields. Basrah’s oil contains ingredients that are not compatible with Jordan’s refineries. We have been promised by the Jordanians that they will respond to us after studying the two options.” Al Rubaie concluded his statement saying, “The brothers in Jordan offered to support us and have promised that they will offer as much as they can to the Iraqis who are living in Jordan.”
Labels: Basrah, Jordan, Kirkuk, Muwaffaq al-Rubay'i, oil, oilfields
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
There Is Assistance To Lebanese Militias Entering Basrah
Al Watan (Saudi Arabian Newspaper): (Crime) [Ä Dar Al Salam Newspaper] (3 JUL)
High-level sources in Basrah have confirmed: pamphlets have been distributed which say that Hezbollah’s leaders are coming to Iraq in order to supervise operations there. Al Watan Newspaper said, “An insurgent group is assisting Hezbollah members’ entry into Basrah.” The situation in Basrah has greatly deteriorated; the displacements of Sunni families are continuous. Everyday 17 (Sunni) families are displaced; they go to either Mosul or Salah Ad Din.
Sources confirmed, “Security forces and Occupation forces (in Basrah) have established many procedures in order to prevent insurgent attacks. Basrah’s Police Chief – Brigadier Ali Hamadi Al Musawi was (recently) dismissed and he was replaced by Brigadier Abd Al Jalil Khalaf.”
High-level sources in Basrah have confirmed: pamphlets have been distributed which say that Hezbollah’s leaders are coming to Iraq in order to supervise operations there. Al Watan Newspaper said, “An insurgent group is assisting Hezbollah members’ entry into Basrah.” The situation in Basrah has greatly deteriorated; the displacements of Sunni families are continuous. Everyday 17 (Sunni) families are displaced; they go to either Mosul or Salah Ad Din.
Sources confirmed, “Security forces and Occupation forces (in Basrah) have established many procedures in order to prevent insurgent attacks. Basrah’s Police Chief – Brigadier Ali Hamadi Al Musawi was (recently) dismissed and he was replaced by Brigadier Abd Al Jalil Khalaf.”
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Al Musawi: 350 10th Division Soldiers Dismissed In Basrah
Security
(Badr Newspaper) - 19 JUN - Major General Ali Hamadi Al Musawi, chief of the Basrah Security Emergency Committee, announced that 350 members of the 10th Division of the Iraqi Army who were involved in recent events in Basrah have been dismissed. An investigation continues of others. He added that there are investigative committees to identify those who were involved in the recent events in Basrah. Additionally, he said that the security organizations in Basrah will begin a new plan to protect mosques shrines in the city.
He then stated, “We want to carry out the supreme goals in our country and what has recently occurred with the explosion of the shrines is not related to the national project. Anyone who wants to start sedition has no place among us. There will be changes to the security plan in order to implement a joint security force consisting of the Army and MOI Commandos to protect the city.” Concerning the destruction of the shrine in Basrah, He stated, “Gunmen wearing the ‘Special IP Forces’ uniforms attacked Al Ashara Al Mubashara Mosque in the Shamshumiya area. Most of the mosque was destroyed. This was a shrine and a mosque.”
Labels: Basrah, Iraqi Army, Major General Ali Hamadi Al Musawi, mosque, shrine
Friday, June 01, 2007
Allawi supporters demonstrate across Iraq
Politics
(RFE/RL) - Thousands of supporters of former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi demonstrated in the cities of Baghdad, Al-Basrah, Mosul, and Karbala on May 29 to protest allegations that Allawi is plotting to overthrow the Iraqi government, the London-based "Al-Sharq al-Awsat" reported on May 30. Critics of Allawi alleged that his foreign and regional tour was aimed at drumming up support for his return to power. The demonstrators reportedly called on Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki to resign.
A statement released by Allawi's office said the government's "conspiracy theory paranoia" has prevented it from effecting change on the ground, the daily reported. Meanwhile, Iraqis List parliamentarian Mahdi al-Hafiz said on May 29 that he will withdraw from the list, led by Allawi, citing a lack of transparency in the list's political work, "Al-Mashriq" reported on May 30. Ayham al-Samarra'i, who served as electricity minister in Allawi's interim government, told Al-Jazeera on May 27 that Allawi has won Arab states' support for his political vision, adding that while Iraq's neighbors "do not want a coup in Iraq, they want to see Iraq succeed."
Labels: Ayham al-Samarra'i, Baghdad, Basrah, Iraqi List, Iyad Allawi, Karbala, Mahdi al-Hafiz, Mosul
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Khadra Bridge Blown Up; Curfew In Fallujah To Search For Car Bombs
Security
(Al Mada Newspaper AR.) - 26 MAY - Security sources said, “On Friday, an IED explosion targeted the Khadra Bridge in Baghdad. The explosion led to the destruction of a huge part of the bridge.” The sources added, “This Bridge connects the highway to the Khadra and Jamiaa areas. Unidentified people planted IEDs under the bridge. When the IEDs exploded, it blew up part of the bridge. The affected part of the bridge is four meters. The explosions did not kill or wound anyone.”
In other news, a Fallujah Police source stated, “A car bomb exploded near an IP checkpoint in the Hay Al Shurta area of Fallujah during the Friday Prayer. The source added, “The car bomb explosion killed two people and wounded nine. All of them lived in the houses near Al Abd School which the IPs made as a camp.” The source also said, “The explosion destroyed three houses and a number of stores.”
In related news, a source close to Fallujah’s Mayor said, “Fallujah authorities started a curfew in Fallujah. The curfew will continue indefinitely. The purpose of the curfew is to look for car bombs in the Fallujah area.” He added, “Many 4X4 trucks which belong to the Anbar Salvation Council went to Fallujah to support the IPs and Iraqi Army.”
In related news, yesterday, an IED explosion targeted a convoy of a foreign security company in the Kizayza area, north of Basrah. Eyewitnesses said, “The explosion destroyed one truck and killed everyone in it.” After the explosion, clashes occurred between vehicles in the convoy and unidentified gunmen.
In other news, a Fallujah Police source stated, “A car bomb exploded near an IP checkpoint in the Hay Al Shurta area of Fallujah during the Friday Prayer. The source added, “The car bomb explosion killed two people and wounded nine. All of them lived in the houses near Al Abd School which the IPs made as a camp.” The source also said, “The explosion destroyed three houses and a number of stores.”
In related news, a source close to Fallujah’s Mayor said, “Fallujah authorities started a curfew in Fallujah. The curfew will continue indefinitely. The purpose of the curfew is to look for car bombs in the Fallujah area.” He added, “Many 4X4 trucks which belong to the Anbar Salvation Council went to Fallujah to support the IPs and Iraqi Army.”
In related news, yesterday, an IED explosion targeted a convoy of a foreign security company in the Kizayza area, north of Basrah. Eyewitnesses said, “The explosion destroyed one truck and killed everyone in it.” After the explosion, clashes occurred between vehicles in the convoy and unidentified gunmen.
Labels: Anbar Salvation Council, Basrah, car bomb, curfew, Fallujah, IED, Khadra bridge, private security companies
Mahdi Army Commander Killed In Basrah, al-Sadr pledges to protect Sunnis, Christians
Politics, Security
(Asharq Al Awsat Newspaper AR.) - 26 MAY - IP sources announced that the Mahdi Army leader in Basrah has been killed by a joint Iraqi-British operation in northern Basrah. British Army spokesman, Major David Gale, told the French Press Agency, “A special Iraqi unit supported by 100 British soldiers, killed the Basrah Mahdi Army leader.” A Mahdi Army source in Najaf said, “The British forces raided the Hayaniya area in northern Basrah and surrounded the vehicle of Usama Abu Qadr, the Basrah Mahdi Army leader, and killed him. They also wounded the four people with him.” The source also confirmed that Abu Qadr is one of the Mahdi Army’s founders in Basrah. Muqtada Al Sadr had decided to dismiss him because of the clashes that took place between Mahdi Army and Fadhila Party. An IP source said that two other people were killed with Abu Qadr during the clashes with the British. Eyewitnesses said that Mahdi Army members deployed throughout Basrah’s streets after Abu Qadr’s death.
COMMENT: This is likely to exacerbate the factional violence and attacks on the coalition in Basrah. COMMENT ENDS.
On Friday in Kufa the same newspaper reports that al-Sadr Al Sadr told his supporters, “I again demand that the occupiers must leave or must schedule their withdrawal. I demand that the Iraqi government not extend the occupation’s presence for even one day because the government is not authorized, especially after the collection of many Parliament members’ signatures and the one million man demonstration that both called for the occupation’s withdrawal.”
He added, “I hear from time to time that there are clashes between the Mahdi Army and Iraqi IPs and IA members (…) according to my point of view the one behind these clashes is the occupier to have an excuse for its presence. I am telling you not to be the instigator of this fighting and I am telling you fighting between the brothers in the Mahdi Army with IPs and IA members is forbidden and I advise the dear brothers in the Mahdi Army to use peaceful means if they are attacked by those with weak spirits by having peaceful protests and demonstrations.”
On the other side, Al Sadr stated, “I have received many complaints from Sunni brothers and some Christians of what has been done to them by (Sunni extremists). Therefore, I would say I am completely ready to defend them and I will be their shield to protect them although the occupier will not accept that. Our houses and our cities are ready to host them. Shedding Sunni and Iraqi Christian blood is forbidden and we are ready to defend them. What has been committed by the Sunni extremists to force Christians to convert is unacceptable.”
He also rejected the return of Baathists when he said, “The Iraqi government is working with some forces for the return of the Baathists (…) We will not allow Baathists to return and I will prevent that.” The US general in charge of their operations in Baghdad told the Washington Post, “Al Sadr has remained calm since his return from Iran.” Deputy US Commander in Iraq, General Odierno said, “It is not clear what Al Sadr has planned.” But he believes that Al Sadr is ready to conduct negotiations with the US and its Iraqi allies.
On the other side, Al Sadr stated, “I have received many complaints from Sunni brothers and some Christians of what has been done to them by (Sunni extremists). Therefore, I would say I am completely ready to defend them and I will be their shield to protect them although the occupier will not accept that. Our houses and our cities are ready to host them. Shedding Sunni and Iraqi Christian blood is forbidden and we are ready to defend them. What has been committed by the Sunni extremists to force Christians to convert is unacceptable.”
He also rejected the return of Baathists when he said, “The Iraqi government is working with some forces for the return of the Baathists (…) We will not allow Baathists to return and I will prevent that.” The US general in charge of their operations in Baghdad told the Washington Post, “Al Sadr has remained calm since his return from Iran.” Deputy US Commander in Iraq, General Odierno said, “It is not clear what Al Sadr has planned.” But he believes that Al Sadr is ready to conduct negotiations with the US and its Iraqi allies.
Labels: Baathists, Basrah, Christians, Hayaniyah district, Lieutenant General Raymond Odierno, Mahdi Army, Moqtada Al-Sadr, Sunnis, Usama Abu Qadr
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Basrah farmers receive new loans
Agriculture
(BI-ME) - Total loans provided by the Farmers Lending Fund in the Ministry of Agriculture for farmers in Basrah province in March alone were nearly IQD58 million (US$46,000) covering five different activities. The Director of Basrah Cultivation, Amir Salman Abdul-Hussein, said in a statement that during his presence at the Ministry the loans granted within the new budget to the Fund increased from IQD25 billion (US$19.8 million) to IQD50 billion (US$39.7 million) for the current year.
This will provide great opportunities to serve a wide spectrum of farmers and the various activities of the Fund, which include 17 different specialties. He expressed confidence that the numbers of farmers applying for loans from the fund will increase during the coming months.He said loans granted to farmers in central Basrah and Qurnah district were distributed as IQD37 million for the first instance, and IQD20 million for the second to cover the purchase of trailers at the cost of IQD10 million, drilling wells at IQD37 million, IQD4 million for the cultivation of wheat, IQD3 million for orchards, and IQD2.5 million to develop apiaries.
Labels: Amir Salman Abdul-Hussein, Basrah, farmers, Farmers Lending Fund, Ministry of Agriculture
Friday, May 11, 2007
$140 bn. for Basrah reconstruction
Reconstruction
(Addustour Newspaper) - 10 MAY - The Finance Ministry has allocated 140 billion dollars in additional budget funding to speed up reconstruction in the governorate in 2007. Basrah Governorate Advisor, Ihsan Abd Al Jabar, said that this money from the Finance Ministry is for the governorate’s service sector. It is the governorate’s duty to follow how this money is spent and to oversee the projects which this money is used for.
Labels: Basrah, Ministry of Finance, reconstruction funds, service sector
Monday, April 16, 2007
Thousands demonstrate in Basrah against governor
Security
(RFE/RL) - Thousands of Iraqis have marched peacefully through the streets of the southern city of Al-Basrah to demand the resignation of a provincial governor. Residents have complained of inadequate electricity, garbage disposal, and water supplies. Demonstrators gathered near an Al-Basrah mosque, then marched to the governor's office, which was surrounded by Iraqi soldiers and police. Protesters are now calling for a three-day sit-in in front of the governor's office starting April 17.
COMMENT: An official of the Sadrist Movement denied that the bloc called for demonstrations in Basra or any other province. Speaking during an Iraqi Parliament session on Sunday, Nassar al-Rubaie, the bloc's spokesman, said the Sadrist bloc had nothing to do with any demonstrations in Basra and has never urged the masses to stage a demonstration in any area of Iraq. A statement on Saturday, signed by popular leaders in Basra, called on citizens to demonstrate and demanded the relief of Basra Governor Mohammed Mosbeh al-Waeli, who in turn accused these popular figures of acting in accordance with a foreign agenda and seeking chaos in Basra. The statement, which was received by the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI), read "if these demands (to sack the governor of Basra) are not met, escalatory measures will be taken." COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: Basrah, demonstration, provincial governor
Friday, April 06, 2007
20 Iraqi, British and U.S. soldiers killed in 24 hours
Security
(RFE/RL) - Nearly 20 Iraqi, British, and U.S. soldiers were killed in attacks across Iraq in the past 24 hours. Four British soldiers and a civilian interpreter were killed in a roadside bombing near the southern city of Al-Basrah. Ten Iraqi soldiers were killed in an attack near the northern city of Mosul. In Baghdad, four U.S. soldiers were killed by two roadside bombs. In addition, the U.S. military said four people were injured when an army helicopter with nine people aboard went down south of Baghdad.
Also in Baghdad, a senior Iraqi journalist was killed today when a suicide car bomb exploded outside the Baghdad headquarters of a television channel run by a leading Sunni political party. In a statement, the Iraqi Islamic Party said deputy bureau chief Thaer Ahmed Jabr died in the attack. At least 10 other employees were wounded. More than 180 media workers, most of them Iraqi, have been killed in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.
Also in Baghdad, a senior Iraqi journalist was killed today when a suicide car bomb exploded outside the Baghdad headquarters of a television channel run by a leading Sunni political party. In a statement, the Iraqi Islamic Party said deputy bureau chief Thaer Ahmed Jabr died in the attack. At least 10 other employees were wounded. More than 180 media workers, most of them Iraqi, have been killed in Iraq since the U.S.-led invasion in 2003.
Labels: Baghdad, Basrah, helicopter, Iraqi Islamic Party, Mosul, roadside bombs, security forces, Thaer Ahmed Jabr
Friday, March 23, 2007
Iranians paying Iraqis to attack coalition
Security, Iran
(AFP) - Iranian agents are paying local Iraqis around the southern city of Basra as much as 500 dollars a month to carry out attacks on coalition forces, a senior British Army officer said Friday. Lieutenant Colonel Justin Maciejewski said contact with locals suggested that the "vast majority" of violence against British troops stationed in the city came from outside Iraq.
"We haven't found any 'smoking gun' but certainly all the circumstantial evidence points to Iranian involvement in the bombings here in Basra, which is disrupting the city to a great extent," he added. Maciejewski, who is the commanding officer at the British base at Basra Palace, went on: "Local sheikhs and tribal leaders here in Basra -- who are desperate to prevent this violence escalating -- are telling us that Iranian agents are paying up to 500 dollars a month for young Basrawi men to attack us.
"We have a lot of very modern and quite sophisticated weaponry being used against us -- weaponry that could only really have been procured from a state," said Maciejewski. "These are not old munitions from the Iran-Iraq war. They are much more modern, some of them produced in 2006 and the locals are telling us that these are coming in from Iran."
"We haven't found any 'smoking gun' but certainly all the circumstantial evidence points to Iranian involvement in the bombings here in Basra, which is disrupting the city to a great extent," he added. Maciejewski, who is the commanding officer at the British base at Basra Palace, went on: "Local sheikhs and tribal leaders here in Basra -- who are desperate to prevent this violence escalating -- are telling us that Iranian agents are paying up to 500 dollars a month for young Basrawi men to attack us.
"We have a lot of very modern and quite sophisticated weaponry being used against us -- weaponry that could only really have been procured from a state," said Maciejewski. "These are not old munitions from the Iran-Iraq war. They are much more modern, some of them produced in 2006 and the locals are telling us that these are coming in from Iran."
Labels: Basrah, Iran, tribal sheiks
Fadhila Party's HQ in Basra burnt down
Politics, Security
(Voices of Iraq) - The headquarters of the Shiite Fadhila (Virtue) party in Basra was completely burnt down during clashes with armed men besieging the house of the Basra mayor and trying to storm it, a source from the party said on Thursday. “The headquarters of the Shiite Fadhila (Virtue) party was completely burnt down… because of gunmen’s attacks,” the source told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI) by the phone.
“We are fighting now inside the house of Mayor Mohamed Musbeh al-Waeli to end the siege, as the attackers are trying to storm it,” he added. Local authorities imposed a curfew on Thursday in the southern Iraqi city of Basra after clashes between followers of the Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and gunmen from the Shiite Fadhila (Virtue) party, eyewitnesses had said earlier.
“We are fighting now inside the house of Mayor Mohamed Musbeh al-Waeli to end the siege, as the attackers are trying to storm it,” he added. Local authorities imposed a curfew on Thursday in the southern Iraqi city of Basra after clashes between followers of the Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and gunmen from the Shiite Fadhila (Virtue) party, eyewitnesses had said earlier.
Labels: Basrah, Fadhela party, Mohamed Musbeh al-Waeli
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Curfew imposed in Basrah as clashes erupt
Security, Politics
(Reuters) - Gunmen clashed on Thursday in the port city of Basra, the hub of Iraq's great southern oil field that is the source of most of the country's wealth. Police patrols warned residents to stay inside and said an indefinite curfew had been imposed. Gunmen attacked the headquarters of Fadhila, a small but powerful party that controls the provincial governorate and withdrew from the ruling Shi'ite alliance earlier this month, witnesses said.
The fighting erupted just two days after British forces pulled out of their base in the centre of Basra, Iraq's second city, and handed it over to the Iraqi 10th division in what a British general called an important step towards Iraqis taking control of their own security. Hospital sources said seven people had been wounded in the clashes, which residents said lasted nearly an hour. Shortly after midday the intense gunfire dwindled to sporadic shooting.
Police Brigadier Ali al-Ibrahim said police and soldiers were being deployed in the area of the clashes. British military spokesman Major David Gell said: "We are aware something is happening but we don't have any more information," adding that multinational forces were standing by.
Details of the fighting were sketchy but Ali al-Hamadi, the head of Basra's emergency security committee, blamed it on a "misunderstanding" between Fadhila and the Mehdi Army militia of radical Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. A Shi'ite official in Baghdad said the two groups were fighting over one of the buildings vacated by the British troops on Tuesday, although this could not be immediately confirmed. Officials of Sadr's movement and the Fadhila party sought to play down the violence.
"Whatever is happening, there is no problem between us and the Sadrists. There is no way we would clash with them," said Nadim al-Jabiri, a senior official of Fadhila. Salaam al-Maliki, a Sadrist and former transport minister, blamed the fighting on a personal dispute between the director general of the electricity directorate and an engineer. "The picture is not clear. It seems the engineer has brought members of his tribe. It is a tribal thing, not political. We have asked the governor to send the police to stop the fighting," he told Reuters.
The fighting erupted just two days after British forces pulled out of their base in the centre of Basra, Iraq's second city, and handed it over to the Iraqi 10th division in what a British general called an important step towards Iraqis taking control of their own security. Hospital sources said seven people had been wounded in the clashes, which residents said lasted nearly an hour. Shortly after midday the intense gunfire dwindled to sporadic shooting.
Police Brigadier Ali al-Ibrahim said police and soldiers were being deployed in the area of the clashes. British military spokesman Major David Gell said: "We are aware something is happening but we don't have any more information," adding that multinational forces were standing by.
Details of the fighting were sketchy but Ali al-Hamadi, the head of Basra's emergency security committee, blamed it on a "misunderstanding" between Fadhila and the Mehdi Army militia of radical Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr. A Shi'ite official in Baghdad said the two groups were fighting over one of the buildings vacated by the British troops on Tuesday, although this could not be immediately confirmed. Officials of Sadr's movement and the Fadhila party sought to play down the violence.
"Whatever is happening, there is no problem between us and the Sadrists. There is no way we would clash with them," said Nadim al-Jabiri, a senior official of Fadhila. Salaam al-Maliki, a Sadrist and former transport minister, blamed the fighting on a personal dispute between the director general of the electricity directorate and an engineer. "The picture is not clear. It seems the engineer has brought members of his tribe. It is a tribal thing, not political. We have asked the governor to send the police to stop the fighting," he told Reuters.
Labels: Ali al-Hamadi, Basrah, Fadhela party, Mahdi Army, Nadim al-Jabiri, Salaam al-Maliki
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
SOMO reduces crude oil price
Oil
(Iraq Daily Business Updates) An Iraqi oil official said on Monday that Iraq reduced its official selling price for Basrah light crude oil from April loading between 20 to 30 cent a barrel by destination. The Iraqi oil marketing company (SOMO) reduced the April price to American buyers by 20 cents compared to the figure in March for the second month in to be less than $ 6.90 from West Texas crude. April's price was also reduced to European buyers by 25 cents compared with the month of March to less than $ 5.70 from deferred ships fuel. Buyers in Asia will pay less than the prices of Oman / Dubai crude by $ 2.55 for deliveries in April, down 30 cents from March. Iraq exports around 1.5 million barrels a day of crude oil from the port of Basrah.
(Iraq Daily Business Updates) An Iraqi oil official said on Monday that Iraq reduced its official selling price for Basrah light crude oil from April loading between 20 to 30 cent a barrel by destination. The Iraqi oil marketing company (SOMO) reduced the April price to American buyers by 20 cents compared to the figure in March for the second month in to be less than $ 6.90 from West Texas crude. April's price was also reduced to European buyers by 25 cents compared with the month of March to less than $ 5.70 from deferred ships fuel. Buyers in Asia will pay less than the prices of Oman / Dubai crude by $ 2.55 for deliveries in April, down 30 cents from March. Iraq exports around 1.5 million barrels a day of crude oil from the port of Basrah.
Labels: Basrah, crude oil, foreign buyers, SOMO
