Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Ministry of Interior to carry out population census
Government
(Azzaman) - The Ministry of Interior is to carry out a count of the population in violence-stricken areas including the capital Baghdad. The aim, according to the ministry, is to have a reliable register of those permanently residing in these areas and those staying for short periods of time. “It is important to draw a line between permanent inhabitants and the newcomers,” Brigadier Qassem Atta said.
He said each citizen in Baghdad and other restive areas will be given an identity card indicating the area they permanently reside in. In Baghdad, home to more than 6 million people, 50 police stations as well as the city’s municipal councils will be involved in the count, Atta added. The term, ‘restive areas’, normally refers to towns and villages in central and northern parts of the country – a region where Sunni Muslims are the majority.
Atta said the count was part of the U.S.-led campaign to pacify Baghdad. However, he did not say whether such large-scale count will be without risks in some places including certain quarters of Baghdad where the government practically has no authority. Atta said the government will slap curfews in areas and districts that will be covered by the census. He did not say when the count will start in earnest and which cities or areas will be the first to cover.
He said each citizen in Baghdad and other restive areas will be given an identity card indicating the area they permanently reside in. In Baghdad, home to more than 6 million people, 50 police stations as well as the city’s municipal councils will be involved in the count, Atta added. The term, ‘restive areas’, normally refers to towns and villages in central and northern parts of the country – a region where Sunni Muslims are the majority.
Atta said the count was part of the U.S.-led campaign to pacify Baghdad. However, he did not say whether such large-scale count will be without risks in some places including certain quarters of Baghdad where the government practically has no authority. Atta said the government will slap curfews in areas and districts that will be covered by the census. He did not say when the count will start in earnest and which cities or areas will be the first to cover.
Labels: Brigaier Qassem Atta, census, ID cards, Iraq, Ministry of Interior
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Iraq's Interior Ministry - "a federation of oligarchs"
Government
(Los Angeles Times) - Iraq's Ministry of Interior — the balkanized command center for the nation's police and mirror of the deadly factions that have caused the government here to grind nearly to a halt. The very language that Americans use to describe government — ministries, departments, agencies — belies the reality here of militias that kill under cover of police uniform and remain above the law.
Until recently, one or two Interior Ministry police officers were assassinated each week while arriving or leaving the building, probably by fellow officers, senior police officials say. That killing has been reduced, but Western diplomats still describe the Interior Ministry building as a "federation of oligarchs." Those who work in the building liken departments to hostile countries. Survival depends on keeping abreast of shifting factional alliances and turf.
On the second floor is Gen. Mahdi Gharrawi, a former national police commander. Last year, U.S. and Iraqi troops found 1,400 prisoners, mostly Sunnis, at a base he controlled in east Baghdad. Many showed signs of torture. The interior minister blocked an arrest warrant against the general this year, senior Iraqi officials confirmed.
The third- and fifth-floor administrative departments are the domain of Prime Minister Nouri Maliki's Islamic Dawa Party, a Shiite group. The sixth, home to border enforcement and the major crimes unit, belongs to the Badr Organization militia. Its leader, Deputy Minister Ahmed Khafaji, is lauded by some Western officials as an efficient administrator and suspected by others of running secret prisons.
The seventh floor is intelligence, where the Badr Organization and armed Kurdish groups struggle for control. The ninth floor is shared by the department's inspector general and general counsel, religious Shiites. Their offices have been at the center of efforts to purge the department's remaining Sunni employees. The counsel's predecessor, a Sunni, was killed a year ago."They have some bad things on the ninth," says the colonel, a Sunni who, like other ministry officials, spoke on condition of anonymity to guard against retaliation.
The ministry's computer department is on the 10th floor. Two employees were arrested there in February on suspicion of smuggling in explosives, according to police and U.S. military officials. Some Iraqi and U.S. officials say the workers intended to store bombs there. Others say they were plotting to attack the U.S. advisors stationed directly above them on the top floor.
The factionalization of the ministry began quickly after Saddam Hussein's fall. As with most Iraqi government departments, deputy ministers were appointed to represent each of the country's main political parties. Deputies then distributed jobs among party stalwarts. The initial winners were the Kurdish Democratic Party and the two Shiite parties, Dawa and the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council, which sponsors the Badr Organization. The Kurdish party is one of two factions that control Iraq's northern provinces.
Sadr's Al Mahdi militia started late in the patronage game but has made significant inroads, particularly among the guard force that surrounds the ministry compound.Parties representing the Sunni minority, which controlled Iraq in Hussein's day, have been almost entirely purged from the ministry in the last two years. Three of the ministry's longest-serving Sunni generals have been killed in the last year.
Interior Minister Jawad Bolani, a Shiite leader who took office last summer, has attempted to repair the ministry's reputation. He has removed the leaders of eight of nine national police brigades and 17 of 27 police battalions, which have been accused of killings and mass kidnappings. But change has come slowly. "There is a lot of pressure, there is influence from everywhere, from everyone: political parties, religious groups, the government itself, from familial and tribal influences," said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Dana Pittard, who supervised the U.S. advisors to the national police until last month. "It would be very difficult for anybody to operate as a leader in this environment, and the Iraqis do," Pittard said.
No floor has posed more of a challenge than the seventh, which houses the intelligence division. In theory, the intelligence office should be key to tracking and combating the insurgents who bomb Iraq's streets and marketplaces and attack U.S. soldiers. Instead, the division has been hobbled by a power struggle between two of America's nominal allies in Iraq, the Kurds and the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council. The fight came to a head earlier this year with a death threat against the Kurdish deputy minister in charge of intelligence, Hussein Ali Kamal.
The Kurdish leader, who controls the eastern wing of the floor, was battling for control of the intelligence apparatus with his deputy, a Badr militia commander who dominates the western side. Several months ago, U.S. advisors warned Kamal that his life was in danger, most probably from the Badr militia, and advised him to stay in the Green Zone, away from the ministry building in east Baghdad. He stayed out of the ministry for several weeks. The Shiite deputy, Basheer Wandi, better known as Engineer Ahmed, was appointed in the spring of 2005. Around the same time, Shiite militias began aggressive efforts to target and kill Sunnis in Baghdad, often using police cover to detain Sunnis in secret prisons and carry out assassinations.
Kamal, the Kurdish deputy minister, says he believes the ministry has started reining in Shiite militias but knows suspect figures still operate openly in the ministry, including Gen. Gharrawi on the second floor. Even the remaining Sunni members of the police force respect Bolani for trying to rein in the ministry. But they know he depends on a web of fragile political alliances and wonder whether any political figure can undo the effects of several years of recruiting hard-line militia members to the ministry. "Even if they brought the prophet Muhammad or Jesus, they couldn't control them," said a senior ministry official. "They have an agenda. They follow their parties."
Labels: Ahmed Khafaji, Badr Corps, Basheer Wandi, Brig. Gen. Dana Pittard, Dawa party, Engineer Ahmed, Gen. Mahdi Gharrawi, Hussein Ali Kamal, Jawad Bolani, KDP, Mahdi Army, Ministry of Interior, SIIC
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Iraqi Government Should Be Held Responsible For Criminal Acts Of Militias
Politics, Security
(Dar Al Salam Newspaper) - 3 JUL - Accord Front Parliament Member – Mr. Abd Al Karim Al Samaraie said the security forces should be held entirely responsible for failing to stop the militias’ criminal activities. Al Samaraie added, “Terrorist attacks have been occurring, and occur everyday, in Baghdad. Nowadays we are hearing stories that we had never heard before… even during the times of the “Mongol era”.
Al Samaraie clarified: we have evidence that we have seen and heard about that confirms that the Ministry of the Interior’s security forces are involved in the militias’ attacks. The militias are: raiding houses, and killing family members in these houses even if the family members are women, children, or old men. The militias have burnt Iraqis; and, militias have displaced families after killing the families’ sons.
(Al Samaraie continued,) there is an outside (foreign) agenda which aims to reshape Baghdad’s demography. All of these (types of) militia attacks (have continued to) occur while the new security plan is in progress. Al Samaraie pointed out that all of Iraq’s politicians say: the security forces are corrupt and the government should be held responsible. If the government is unable to stop the militias, then it (the govt.) should leave (step down/be replaced) in order for Iraqis to find someone who is capable of: leading them and confronting these problems.
Al Samaraie demanded that the individuals responsible for the Baghdad Security Plan should treat all of the insurgents, in Iraq’s streets, equally and take them to the courts.
(Al Samaraie continued,) there is an outside (foreign) agenda which aims to reshape Baghdad’s demography. All of these (types of) militia attacks (have continued to) occur while the new security plan is in progress. Al Samaraie pointed out that all of Iraq’s politicians say: the security forces are corrupt and the government should be held responsible. If the government is unable to stop the militias, then it (the govt.) should leave (step down/be replaced) in order for Iraqis to find someone who is capable of: leading them and confronting these problems.
Al Samaraie demanded that the individuals responsible for the Baghdad Security Plan should treat all of the insurgents, in Iraq’s streets, equally and take them to the courts.
Labels: Abd Al Karim Al Samaraie, Iraqi Accord Front, militias, Ministry of Interior
Friday, June 22, 2007
Prisons raided by militias and prisoners executed
Security
(Dar Al Salam Newspaper) - 21 JUN - Iraqi security sources have confirmed that many prisons have been raided almost every night, by militias. The militias conduct these raids with the assistance of the prisons’ guards. Later, the militias execute the prisoners, and then, dump the bodies in city streets and squares.
The sources added that the majority of these “executed prisoners” are from prisons in Rasafa, which are controlled by militias and the government. The sources pointed out that Rasafa’s “Prison Number Six” is the worst and it experiences many “randomized” execution operations. The prisoners in this prison (Rasafa #6) have announced a hunger strike, they would rather die of hunger in their jail cells than be killed by militias.
The sources added that Rasafa “Prison Number Six” consists of 14 “halls” (large cells), which contain hundreds of prisoners in each of the “halls”. The prisoners have not been taken to court; and, some prisoners have been kidnapped and killed by MOI Commandos and militias. Rasafa’s “Prison Number Six” is one of 10 prisons in the Rasafa area, this includes such places as the: Jadriya, Qanat, and Tasfirat prisons which all belong to the MOI.
These prisons include “thousands and thousands of Iraqi prisoners” who are not allowed to see their families. The sources also confirmed that “arresting and releasing operations” are not being conducted in accordance with judicial orders; rather, they are being conducted in accordance with deals (between the) militias and police. Militias help some of the worst criminals to escape from the prisons without the government’s knowledge. And (somehow), the people who dump the bodies in the streets are usually able to move about during curfew hours.
The sources added that the majority of these “executed prisoners” are from prisons in Rasafa, which are controlled by militias and the government. The sources pointed out that Rasafa’s “Prison Number Six” is the worst and it experiences many “randomized” execution operations. The prisoners in this prison (Rasafa #6) have announced a hunger strike, they would rather die of hunger in their jail cells than be killed by militias.
The sources added that Rasafa “Prison Number Six” consists of 14 “halls” (large cells), which contain hundreds of prisoners in each of the “halls”. The prisoners have not been taken to court; and, some prisoners have been kidnapped and killed by MOI Commandos and militias. Rasafa’s “Prison Number Six” is one of 10 prisons in the Rasafa area, this includes such places as the: Jadriya, Qanat, and Tasfirat prisons which all belong to the MOI.
These prisons include “thousands and thousands of Iraqi prisoners” who are not allowed to see their families. The sources also confirmed that “arresting and releasing operations” are not being conducted in accordance with judicial orders; rather, they are being conducted in accordance with deals (between the) militias and police. Militias help some of the worst criminals to escape from the prisons without the government’s knowledge. And (somehow), the people who dump the bodies in the streets are usually able to move about during curfew hours.
COMMENT: Dar Al Salam is a weekly political and religious newspaper, owned by the Iraqi Islamic Party (IIP). It has been published for two years in Baghdad, with a Sunni religious affiliation. This is a moderate newspaper advocating a political approach to deal with Iraq's situation, and has a positive attitude towards the political process in Iraq. Rasafa is the eastern part of Baghdad and is now predominantly Shia. The militias referred to in the article are Shia militias. The MOI commandos have been heavily infiltrated by Shia militias. COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: Jadriya, militias, Ministry of Interior, prisons, Qanat, Rasafa #6, Tasfirat prison
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Abducted Brits - the word on the street in Baghdad
Security
(Unconfirmed) In Iraq, rumors travel through the streets quickly and are accepted by many, educated and uneducated alike, to be the absolute truth. In fact, during Saddam’s reign, he had a department in his intelligence service dedicated to spreading various rumors throughout Iraqi society. The word on the street should not be ignored as simple hearsay, even though much of it is obviously false. It helps shape Iraqi opinions and perceptions. The following information on the abducted Britons was collected.
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1. The five Brits who were kidnapped this week were separated after the initial kidnapping and were moved to Kut within three hours of the kidnapping.
2. On Thursday, there were several new checkpoints setup in eastern Baghdad which were established to find the five kidnapped Brits.
3. The Palestine Street area is under the control of Badr due to its proximity to the MOI. Based on the involvement of MOI Commandos and the fact that the five Brits were taken from a Finance Ministry facility, most Iraqis are sure that the five Brits were kidnapped by the order of Bayan Jabr Solagh who wants to trade the five Brits for the five Iranians detained by the US in Irbil. Solagh wants to replace Al Hakim as Iran’s influence broker in Iraq.
Who Kidnapped The Five British Citizens?
The entire group, Sunni and Shiite, agreed that most likely this act was carried out by MOI elements by the order of Bayan Jabr Solagh, who may or may not have been responding to instructions from Iran. The group believes that the reason for the kidnapping is to trade the five Brits for the five Iranians who are being detained by the US after they were captured in Irbil.
The group stated that they believe the above because the area where this crime occurred is known to be heavily controlled by Badr Corps and the kidnapping occurred at a facility under Solagh’s control. He is also believed to have created the MOI Commandos to be an arm of Badr during his tenure as the Interior Minister.
The entire group also agreed that Mahdi Army could NOT have carried out this kidnapping because of the area where it occurred.
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1. The five Brits who were kidnapped this week were separated after the initial kidnapping and were moved to Kut within three hours of the kidnapping.
2. On Thursday, there were several new checkpoints setup in eastern Baghdad which were established to find the five kidnapped Brits.
3. The Palestine Street area is under the control of Badr due to its proximity to the MOI. Based on the involvement of MOI Commandos and the fact that the five Brits were taken from a Finance Ministry facility, most Iraqis are sure that the five Brits were kidnapped by the order of Bayan Jabr Solagh who wants to trade the five Brits for the five Iranians detained by the US in Irbil. Solagh wants to replace Al Hakim as Iran’s influence broker in Iraq.
Who Kidnapped The Five British Citizens?
The entire group, Sunni and Shiite, agreed that most likely this act was carried out by MOI elements by the order of Bayan Jabr Solagh, who may or may not have been responding to instructions from Iran. The group believes that the reason for the kidnapping is to trade the five Brits for the five Iranians who are being detained by the US after they were captured in Irbil.
The group stated that they believe the above because the area where this crime occurred is known to be heavily controlled by Badr Corps and the kidnapping occurred at a facility under Solagh’s control. He is also believed to have created the MOI Commandos to be an arm of Badr during his tenure as the Interior Minister.
The entire group also agreed that Mahdi Army could NOT have carried out this kidnapping because of the area where it occurred.
Labels: Badr Corps, Bayan Jabr Solagh, Iranian detainees, kidnapped Brits, Mahdi Army, Ministry of Interior
Interior Ministry records 2,000 civilian deaths during May
Security
(RFE/RL) - Al-Sharqiyah television reported on June 1 that the Interior Ministry has recorded 1,951 civilians killed in Iraq during the month of May. The news channel said the figures were "announced" by the Health, Interior, and Defense ministries. Citing sources from the three ministries, the news channel reported that the figure includes 746 unidentified bodies found in Baghdad, including 29 bodies found on May 31. It also cited the Interior Ministry as reporting 2,023 civilians wounded, 127 police officers and 47 soldiers killed, 297 insurgents killed, and 2,356 suspected insurgents arrested in May. According to Al-Sharqiyah, 1,689 civilians were killed in April. AP reported on May 1 that it calculated 2,077 Iraqis killed between May 1 and May 30, including 237 Iraqi security forces.
Labels: civilian deaths, Ministry of Interior
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Former security forces reluctant to report to MOI
Politics
(Azzaman) - Many members of the former security forces are reluctant to join the Interior Ministry for fear of retaliation. The ministry, in a bid to accommodate former security forces, has given those residing in Iraq 60 days to report to its offices if they were willing to join the new security organs. Those living outside Iraq have 90 days to report.
The measure, according to Lt. Gen. Abdulkarim Khalifa, is part of government plans to reverse a U.S.-sponsored decree which disbanded the former army, security organizations and other institutions which served under the regime of Saddam Hussein.
Many in Iraq and abroad believe the decree was one of the main catalysts to fuel violence and the growing insurgency against U.S. occupation troops. But the move is drawing harsh criticism from several political factions and former security personnel themselves.
The measure, according to Lt. Gen. Abdulkarim Khalifa, is part of government plans to reverse a U.S.-sponsored decree which disbanded the former army, security organizations and other institutions which served under the regime of Saddam Hussein.
Many in Iraq and abroad believe the decree was one of the main catalysts to fuel violence and the growing insurgency against U.S. occupation troops. But the move is drawing harsh criticism from several political factions and former security personnel themselves.
Some political factions, particularly those dominated by Iraqi Shiites, see the move as an attempt to resurrect former security organs and members of Saddam Hussein’s Baath party. They are keen to keep the so-called policy of debaathification under which Baath party members are not allowed to take up government positions or join the armed forces.
On the other hand, many former Baath party members fear that once they register with the Interior Ministry their identity will be exposed and as a result become easy targets for ‘death squads’ bent on liquidating former army, police and security officers.
On the other hand, many former Baath party members fear that once they register with the Interior Ministry their identity will be exposed and as a result become easy targets for ‘death squads’ bent on liquidating former army, police and security officers.
Labels: former security forces, Lt. Gen. Abdulkarim Khalifa, Ministry of Interior
Monday, May 21, 2007
Former Iraqi Army told to report to MOI or face prosecution
Government
(Voices of Iraq) - The Iraqi interior ministry will call on all staff from security agencies during the time of the former regime to appear at the ministry's institutions and police stations, "otherwise they will be dealt with in accordance with the terrorism law," an official source said.
"The decision to bring back the old security staff includes those who worked in intelligence, public security and special services, except those who have reached the age of retirement," Maj. General Abdul-Kareem Khalaf, the interior ministry's national command center chief, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
"Security staff outside Iraq will have to refer to the country's consulates and interest sections in 90 days, and those inside the country have to refer to the interior ministry in 60 days," added Khalaf. The interior ministry official affirmed that those "who fail to report to the security organizations in the country, during the mentioned period of time, will be considered involved in acts of hostility against the Iraqi people."
The interim coalition authorities led by U.S. Civil Administrator Paul Bremer, following the fall of the former regime in April 2003, had issued decisions dissolving all the then operating Iraqi security agencies, as well as the Iraqi army and information ministry.
"The decision to bring back the old security staff includes those who worked in intelligence, public security and special services, except those who have reached the age of retirement," Maj. General Abdul-Kareem Khalaf, the interior ministry's national command center chief, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
"Security staff outside Iraq will have to refer to the country's consulates and interest sections in 90 days, and those inside the country have to refer to the interior ministry in 60 days," added Khalaf. The interior ministry official affirmed that those "who fail to report to the security organizations in the country, during the mentioned period of time, will be considered involved in acts of hostility against the Iraqi people."
The interim coalition authorities led by U.S. Civil Administrator Paul Bremer, following the fall of the former regime in April 2003, had issued decisions dissolving all the then operating Iraqi security agencies, as well as the Iraqi army and information ministry.
Labels: former Iraqi Army, Maj. General Abdul-Kareem Khalaf, Ministry of Interior
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Worse security conditions despite 'surge'
Security
(Azzaman) - Baghdad inhabitants say the presence of armed groups has intensified since the start of U.S. military operations to pacify the city more than two months ago. More and more armed groups are springing up in Baghdad, they say, and restive quarters like Doura and Ghazaliya have turned into major insurgent strongholds.
The Ministry of Interior which plays a big hand in the current operations targeting armed and rebel groups in the city would not comment on reports on the escalation of the number of armed in the city. But a ministry source, refusing to be named, said, “The security forces are striking with a fist of iron all the hatcheries of armed groups in various areas (of Baghdad) and the provinces by capturing many of them every week.”
But Baghdad residents have different stories to tell. Kadhem Abedsada who has been forced to flee al-Ghazaliya district, said security conditions have aggravated since the government began its security plan. “I have never seen such a wide presence of armed groups before. Their hideouts dot al-Ghazaliya and they are breeding like mushrooms. They call themselves resistance but they kill and kidnap on identity cards and ask for massive ransoms,” Abedsada said.
A woman, refusing to be named, said her husband was abducted by armed men who forced their way into their house in the violent neighborhood of Saydiya. “My husband was kidnapped from our home in Saydiya by an unidentified armed group. They entered our house, handcuffed my husband and took away our money and jewelry. “Then they asked for $30,000 as a ransom but later reduced it to $20,000 when I told them they had already taken almost all what we had. “After paying the ransom, they released my husband on condition that we immediately evacuate the neighborhood and so did we,” said the woman, who only spoke on condition of anonymity.
Abu Ahmad from al-Jamia neighborhood said their areas had turned into hideouts for armed groups. “Armed groups operate and act with impunity. They can do whatever they want as there are no Iraqi security forces in most of our neighborhood. “Occasionally, U.S. troops storm certain areas and arrest some people most of whom are innocent,” Abu Ahmad said.
Conditions in Amiriya neighborhood have also worsened since U.S. and Iraqi forces launched their security plan. Hadi Mahmoud said many residents in Amiriya now fear leaving their homes and a trip outside the neighborhood is for many ‘a journey to certain death.’ “We cannot leave our areas and our homes. Our neighborhood looks almost deserted apart from the sight of armed groups brandishing their weapons and wandering freely in the streets,” said Mahmoud.
The Ministry of Interior which plays a big hand in the current operations targeting armed and rebel groups in the city would not comment on reports on the escalation of the number of armed in the city. But a ministry source, refusing to be named, said, “The security forces are striking with a fist of iron all the hatcheries of armed groups in various areas (of Baghdad) and the provinces by capturing many of them every week.”
But Baghdad residents have different stories to tell. Kadhem Abedsada who has been forced to flee al-Ghazaliya district, said security conditions have aggravated since the government began its security plan. “I have never seen such a wide presence of armed groups before. Their hideouts dot al-Ghazaliya and they are breeding like mushrooms. They call themselves resistance but they kill and kidnap on identity cards and ask for massive ransoms,” Abedsada said.
A woman, refusing to be named, said her husband was abducted by armed men who forced their way into their house in the violent neighborhood of Saydiya. “My husband was kidnapped from our home in Saydiya by an unidentified armed group. They entered our house, handcuffed my husband and took away our money and jewelry. “Then they asked for $30,000 as a ransom but later reduced it to $20,000 when I told them they had already taken almost all what we had. “After paying the ransom, they released my husband on condition that we immediately evacuate the neighborhood and so did we,” said the woman, who only spoke on condition of anonymity.
Abu Ahmad from al-Jamia neighborhood said their areas had turned into hideouts for armed groups. “Armed groups operate and act with impunity. They can do whatever they want as there are no Iraqi security forces in most of our neighborhood. “Occasionally, U.S. troops storm certain areas and arrest some people most of whom are innocent,” Abu Ahmad said.
Conditions in Amiriya neighborhood have also worsened since U.S. and Iraqi forces launched their security plan. Hadi Mahmoud said many residents in Amiriya now fear leaving their homes and a trip outside the neighborhood is for many ‘a journey to certain death.’ “We cannot leave our areas and our homes. Our neighborhood looks almost deserted apart from the sight of armed groups brandishing their weapons and wandering freely in the streets,” said Mahmoud.
COMMENT: The Azzaman Arabic Daily is a self declared “independent” newspaper printed in Great Britain and distributed throughout the Arab community. The Editor-in-Chief, Sadi Al Bazzaz is a former employee of the Iraqi Ministry of Information, who fled Iraq in the early 1990’s to Great Britain. Azzaman is widely read throughout Baghdad as a valuable source of information. Azzaman continues to be the most popular printed news source in Baghdad. Azzaman takes more of a center approach in its reporting and editorials, rather than being pro-Coalition. The paper does run anti-Coalition pieces that label the US presence in Iraq as an occupying force. Azzaman Arabic Daily resembles a liberal, non-religious based, western paper; providing local and international news, sports, fashion, arts, a cyber section called “@.” This paper and those like it were not available in Baghdad during the Saddam regime.COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: al-Jamia, Ameriyah, armed groups, Baghdad, Doura, Ghazaliyah, insurgents, Ministry of Interior, Operation Fardh al-Qanoon, Saydiya, security
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
Suicide truck bomb kills 19 in Irbil
Security, Kurdistan
(AP) - A suicide truck bomb ripped through the Interior Ministry in the relatively peaceful Kurdish city of Irbil on Wednesday morning, killing at least 19 people and wounding 80, officials said. Kurdish officials blamed al-Qaida linked insurgents for the devastating attack.
The bombing came just as Vice President Dick Cheney arrived in Baghdad for an unannounced visit that was to include meetings with top Iraqi government officials, leaders of influential Iraqi factions and the senior U.S. military commander here. Cheney's visit was aimed at encouraging rival Iraqi factions to work together to overcome their divisions to work together to end the conflict.
The explosion in Irbil, 215 miles north of Baghdad, underscored how even relatively safe areas of the country were not immune from the violence. Irbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdistan region, had been spared much of the violence wracking the rest of Iraq. The Interior Ministry building was badly damaged. Kurdish television showed rubble laying in piles and twisted metal beams. Rescue workers reached into the wreckage to pull out one of the victims of the blast. Windows were blown out down the street and wreckage was scattered nearly 100 yards away.
The nearby security headquarters was also damaged. Zariyan Othman, the Kurdish health minister, said 19 people were killed and 80 were wounded, including five who were in serious condition. Hamza Ahmed, a spokesman for the Irbil governor's office, said the dead and wounded included police and civilians.
Kurdish lawmaker Mahmoud Othman blamed the attack on Ansar al-Sunnah, a Sunni Arab insurgent group, and Ansar al-Islam, a mostly Kurdish militant group with ties to al-Qaida in Iraq. Ansar al-Islam has been blamed for a number of attacks, including attempts to assassinate Kurdish officials. Othman said authorities learned that insurgents were planning a large attack a week ago when police arrested a militant cell in the town of Sulaimaniyah.
"During questioning they confessed that were getting training lessons in a neighboring country and that was
Iran," he said. The last major attack in Irbil took place Feb. 1, 2004, when twin suicide bombers killed 109 people in two Kurdish party offices. Ansar al-Sunnah claimed responsibility for that attack. "Kurdistan is a safe region and this will have its affect on trade, and companies will fear coming to this region," Othman said.
The bombing came just as Vice President Dick Cheney arrived in Baghdad for an unannounced visit that was to include meetings with top Iraqi government officials, leaders of influential Iraqi factions and the senior U.S. military commander here. Cheney's visit was aimed at encouraging rival Iraqi factions to work together to overcome their divisions to work together to end the conflict.
The explosion in Irbil, 215 miles north of Baghdad, underscored how even relatively safe areas of the country were not immune from the violence. Irbil, the capital of the autonomous Kurdistan region, had been spared much of the violence wracking the rest of Iraq. The Interior Ministry building was badly damaged. Kurdish television showed rubble laying in piles and twisted metal beams. Rescue workers reached into the wreckage to pull out one of the victims of the blast. Windows were blown out down the street and wreckage was scattered nearly 100 yards away.
The nearby security headquarters was also damaged. Zariyan Othman, the Kurdish health minister, said 19 people were killed and 80 were wounded, including five who were in serious condition. Hamza Ahmed, a spokesman for the Irbil governor's office, said the dead and wounded included police and civilians.
Kurdish lawmaker Mahmoud Othman blamed the attack on Ansar al-Sunnah, a Sunni Arab insurgent group, and Ansar al-Islam, a mostly Kurdish militant group with ties to al-Qaida in Iraq. Ansar al-Islam has been blamed for a number of attacks, including attempts to assassinate Kurdish officials. Othman said authorities learned that insurgents were planning a large attack a week ago when police arrested a militant cell in the town of Sulaimaniyah.
"During questioning they confessed that were getting training lessons in a neighboring country and that was
Iran," he said. The last major attack in Irbil took place Feb. 1, 2004, when twin suicide bombers killed 109 people in two Kurdish party offices. Ansar al-Sunnah claimed responsibility for that attack. "Kurdistan is a safe region and this will have its affect on trade, and companies will fear coming to this region," Othman said.
Labels: Ansar al-Sunnah, Dick Cheney, Irbil, Kurdistan, Ministry of Interior, suicide truck bomber, Zariyan Othman
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Interior Ministry sacks 15,000
Security
(Voices of Iraq) - The Iraqi interior ministry dismissed 15,000 of its staff recently within a campaign to "purify" the ministry of "bad" workers, a ministry official said on Saturday. "The ministry will continue dismissing anyone found involved in financial or administrative corruption cases or in other crimes marring the ministry or Iraqi citizens," Maj. General Abdul-Kareem Khalaf, director of the interior ministry's National Command Center, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI). Khalaf said a number of those sacked were referred to courts on charges of corruption, bribe-taking, forgery and theft, while others were dismissed for inefficiency in protecting civilians.
Labels: Maj. General Abdul-Kareem Khalaf, Ministry of Interior
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Interior Ministry - leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq killed by own people
Insurgency
(Al Jazeera) - Iraqi authorities are investigating reports that Abu Ayyub al-Masri, the alleged leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq, has been killed in a battle within his own group. Iraq’s interior ministry said on Tuesday it had received intelligence information on al-Masri's apparent death, and that Iraqi security forces were not involved.
"Some information... needs confirmation, but this information is very strong," said Brigadier General Abdel Karim Khalaf, interior ministry operations director. "The clashes took place among themselves. There were clashes within the groups of al-Qaeda. He was liquidated by them." Khalaf said al-Masri was apparently killed in a battle near a bridge in the town of al-Nibayi, north of Baghdad. He said that Iraqi authorities did not have al-Masri's body. Another interior ministry source said Masri had been killed.
A US military spokesman could not confirm the report, and said that several previous reports of Masri's death were found to be false. "I hope it's true, we're checking, but we're going to be doubly sure before we can confirm anything," said Lieutenant Colonel Chris Garver. In March, Iraqi media reported that Masri had been wounded in a shootout with Iraqi soldiers, but the information proved unfounded.
US officials say Masri, who is allegedly also known as Abu Hamza al-Muhajir, is an Egyptian who specialises in car bombings. He has allegedly headed al-Qaeda’s operations in Iraq since the death of then-leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in a US air-raid in June 2006.
"Some information... needs confirmation, but this information is very strong," said Brigadier General Abdel Karim Khalaf, interior ministry operations director. "The clashes took place among themselves. There were clashes within the groups of al-Qaeda. He was liquidated by them." Khalaf said al-Masri was apparently killed in a battle near a bridge in the town of al-Nibayi, north of Baghdad. He said that Iraqi authorities did not have al-Masri's body. Another interior ministry source said Masri had been killed.
A US military spokesman could not confirm the report, and said that several previous reports of Masri's death were found to be false. "I hope it's true, we're checking, but we're going to be doubly sure before we can confirm anything," said Lieutenant Colonel Chris Garver. In March, Iraqi media reported that Masri had been wounded in a shootout with Iraqi soldiers, but the information proved unfounded.
US officials say Masri, who is allegedly also known as Abu Hamza al-Muhajir, is an Egyptian who specialises in car bombings. He has allegedly headed al-Qaeda’s operations in Iraq since the death of then-leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in a US air-raid in June 2006.
Labels: Abu Ayyub al-Masri, Al Qaeda in Iraq, al-Nibayi, Brigadier General Abdel Karim Khalaf, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Garver, Ministry of Interior
20 per cent drop in civilian deaths in Iraq in April
Security
(Reuters) - Violence in Iraq killed 1,506 civilians in April, nearly a 20 percent drop from the previous month, Iraqi government figures showed on Tuesday. A U.S.-backed security crackdown in Baghdad has helped reduce some violence in the city, such as sectarian death squad killings. But militants, especially al Qaeda, have sought to step up attacks outside the capital.
The figures were compiled by the interior, defense and health ministries and obtained by Reuters. The number of civilians killed in March was 1,861 from 1,645 in February. The Baghdad security plan aims to reduce sectarian violence in the capital and its surrounding areas to give the Shi'ite-led government the chance to make progress on national reconciliation with minority Sunni Arabs.
In April, 130 Iraqi policemen and 63 Iraqi soldiers were killed, the data showed. April has been a bad month for U.S. soldiers in Iraq, with 104 killed, making it one of the deadliest months since the invasion in 2003. The Iraqi data showed nearly 3,000 militants were detained during the month. Civilian casualty numbers are a sensitive issue in Iraq.
The United Nations last week accused Iraq of withholding figures for this year because the government feared the data would be used to paint a "very grim" picture of the country. The criticism was contained in a new U.N. human rights report on Iraq which drew fire from U.S. officials in Baghdad and the Iraqi government. They said it was flawed and contained numerous inaccuracies.
The figures were compiled by the interior, defense and health ministries and obtained by Reuters. The number of civilians killed in March was 1,861 from 1,645 in February. The Baghdad security plan aims to reduce sectarian violence in the capital and its surrounding areas to give the Shi'ite-led government the chance to make progress on national reconciliation with minority Sunni Arabs.
In April, 130 Iraqi policemen and 63 Iraqi soldiers were killed, the data showed. April has been a bad month for U.S. soldiers in Iraq, with 104 killed, making it one of the deadliest months since the invasion in 2003. The Iraqi data showed nearly 3,000 militants were detained during the month. Civilian casualty numbers are a sensitive issue in Iraq.
The United Nations last week accused Iraq of withholding figures for this year because the government feared the data would be used to paint a "very grim" picture of the country. The criticism was contained in a new U.N. human rights report on Iraq which drew fire from U.S. officials in Baghdad and the Iraqi government. They said it was flawed and contained numerous inaccuracies.
Officials from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) said they were given no official reason why their requests for specific official data had been turned down. In January, UNAMI said 34,452 Iraqi civilians were killed in 2006, figures that were much higher than any statistics issued by the government.
Labels: civilian deaths, Iraq violence, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Interior, UNAMI
Monday, April 30, 2007
U.S. forces clash with Mahdi Army in Baghdad
Security
(New York Times) - Militiamen loyal to the Shiite cleric Moktada al-Sadr clashed with American forces in northern Baghdad on Sunday, an Interior Ministry official said, the latest in a series of indications that the militia might be emerging from two months of self-imposed dormancy.
On the orders of Mr. Sadr, the militia, known as the Mahdi Army, has remained largely underground since the intensified security plan for Baghdad took effect in mid-February. But a steady increase in the number of corpses recovered from the streets in recent weeks, and sporadic clashes between Mahdi fighters and government forces, have suggested a possible resurgence of the militia.
Its return could significantly complicate the American-led effort to tame violence in the capital because it would split the attention of American and Iraqi forces, already struggling to subdue the Sunni Arab insurgency and interrupt its campaign of vehicle bombings against Shiite targets. The circumstances of the latest fighting remained unclear late Sunday.
The Interior Ministry official said American soldiers and Mahdi militiamen exchanged heavy gunfire near a prominent Shiite shrine in the Shiite neighborhood of Kadhimiya, and that two American Humvees had burst into flames. The ministry official offered no explanation for the clashes.
Sheik Khalid al-Kadhumy, an official in Mr. Sadr’s organization, said that American forces surrounded the Sadr offices in the Kadhimiya neighborhood in the evening. Something prompted the Americans to open fire on the office and surrounding buildings, he said, resulting in casualties among local residents, though he did not know how many.
Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, an American military spokesman in Baghdad, said that he had no comment on reports of the fighting but that the military was working on a statement about the clashes. Some members of the Shiite community have been agitating for a return of the Mahdi Army in recent weeks, as spectacular car bombings against Shiite communities in Baghdad killed hundreds of people. The militia is regarded by many Shiites as a bulwark against militant Sunni Arabs.
Three weeks ago, American forces fought Mahdi cells in the southern city of Diwaniya. And late last month, Mahdi fighters battled Iraqi Army soldiers in southwestern Baghdad. But military officials hoped those were localized clashes.
On the orders of Mr. Sadr, the militia, known as the Mahdi Army, has remained largely underground since the intensified security plan for Baghdad took effect in mid-February. But a steady increase in the number of corpses recovered from the streets in recent weeks, and sporadic clashes between Mahdi fighters and government forces, have suggested a possible resurgence of the militia.
Its return could significantly complicate the American-led effort to tame violence in the capital because it would split the attention of American and Iraqi forces, already struggling to subdue the Sunni Arab insurgency and interrupt its campaign of vehicle bombings against Shiite targets. The circumstances of the latest fighting remained unclear late Sunday.
The Interior Ministry official said American soldiers and Mahdi militiamen exchanged heavy gunfire near a prominent Shiite shrine in the Shiite neighborhood of Kadhimiya, and that two American Humvees had burst into flames. The ministry official offered no explanation for the clashes.
Sheik Khalid al-Kadhumy, an official in Mr. Sadr’s organization, said that American forces surrounded the Sadr offices in the Kadhimiya neighborhood in the evening. Something prompted the Americans to open fire on the office and surrounding buildings, he said, resulting in casualties among local residents, though he did not know how many.
Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, an American military spokesman in Baghdad, said that he had no comment on reports of the fighting but that the military was working on a statement about the clashes. Some members of the Shiite community have been agitating for a return of the Mahdi Army in recent weeks, as spectacular car bombings against Shiite communities in Baghdad killed hundreds of people. The militia is regarded by many Shiites as a bulwark against militant Sunni Arabs.
Three weeks ago, American forces fought Mahdi cells in the southern city of Diwaniya. And late last month, Mahdi fighters battled Iraqi Army soldiers in southwestern Baghdad. But military officials hoped those were localized clashes.
Labels: Baghdad, Kadhimiya, Lt. Col. Christopher Garver, Mahdi Army, Ministry of Interior, Moqtada Al-Sadr, Sheik Khalid al-Kadhumy, U.S. forces
Friday, April 27, 2007
Ministry of Interior says sectarian killings down due to Adhamiya Wall
Security
(Azzaman) - The Ministry of Interior says the construction of the Adhamiya Wall has led to a substantial drop in sectarian killings, a claim which human rights groups and local press dispute. It said the killings dropped to 4-8 per day from 100-120, according to a ministry spokesman. The spokesman’s claim could not be independently confirmed at the time by human rights organizations, including the United Nations say the ministry hides civilian casualty figures.
It is the first time the ministry confirms that more than 100 people were victims of violence every day in Baghdad. The earlier figure was around 30. Simple calculations would put the figure of civilian Iraqis killed through sectarian violence only in Baghdad at more than 3,000 a month. Local press has disputed the spokesman statement that the wall, which has sparked wide criticism in the country, has led to a slash in killings. Journalists who attended the spokesman’s press conference in which he made the remarks wondered whether the ministry was not doctoring the figures again in order to justify the construction of the wall.
It is the first time the ministry confirms that more than 100 people were victims of violence every day in Baghdad. The earlier figure was around 30. Simple calculations would put the figure of civilian Iraqis killed through sectarian violence only in Baghdad at more than 3,000 a month. Local press has disputed the spokesman statement that the wall, which has sparked wide criticism in the country, has led to a slash in killings. Journalists who attended the spokesman’s press conference in which he made the remarks wondered whether the ministry was not doctoring the figures again in order to justify the construction of the wall.
Labels: Adhamiyah, Azamiyah wall, Ministry of Interior, sectarian violence
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Parliament signs contract with new security company
Security, Politics
(Voices of Iraq) - Iraq's Parliament Speaker Mahmud al-Mashhadani said on Tuesday that the parliament signed a contract with a security company to protect the parliament inside the green zone in central Baghdad, but did not reveal its identity.
A strong blast took place in the cafeteria annexed to the parliament on April 12, killing a Parliament Member Mohammed Awad along with 20 employees. Today's parliament session witnessed a controversy between al-Mashhadani and legislator Qasem Dawoud, of the Iraqi National List, on the outcome of the blast investigation. The deputy asked on the reason behind neglecting a former suggestion to assign a security company to protect the parliament four months ago.
"Protecting the parliament is now assigned to the interior ministry according to instructions by Iraq's premier and this will continue till the end of the investigation, as new measures could be taken," al-Mashhadani responded. Qasem Dawoud also demanded to stop parliament's sessions till the end of the investigations, a demand rejected by legislators attending the session. The speaker of the parliament warned the legislators in today's session against gathering in groups near certain places to avoid casualties in case of future attacks.
Parliamentarian Fouad Masoum, of the Kurdistan Coalition, also called for unveiling the outcome the investigation and to put an end to restrictions and searching procedures imposed on lawmakers, threatening to boycott the sessions. Al-Mashhadani asserted that the investigation was due to end and the outcome will be presented to all members in a closed session, vowing to call to account all those responsible for the attack.
A strong blast took place in the cafeteria annexed to the parliament on April 12, killing a Parliament Member Mohammed Awad along with 20 employees. Today's parliament session witnessed a controversy between al-Mashhadani and legislator Qasem Dawoud, of the Iraqi National List, on the outcome of the blast investigation. The deputy asked on the reason behind neglecting a former suggestion to assign a security company to protect the parliament four months ago.
"Protecting the parliament is now assigned to the interior ministry according to instructions by Iraq's premier and this will continue till the end of the investigation, as new measures could be taken," al-Mashhadani responded. Qasem Dawoud also demanded to stop parliament's sessions till the end of the investigations, a demand rejected by legislators attending the session. The speaker of the parliament warned the legislators in today's session against gathering in groups near certain places to avoid casualties in case of future attacks.
Parliamentarian Fouad Masoum, of the Kurdistan Coalition, also called for unveiling the outcome the investigation and to put an end to restrictions and searching procedures imposed on lawmakers, threatening to boycott the sessions. Al-Mashhadani asserted that the investigation was due to end and the outcome will be presented to all members in a closed session, vowing to call to account all those responsible for the attack.
Labels: investigation, Ministry of Interior, parliament bombing, security
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Visitors to Iraq to register with Ministry of Interior
Security
(Al-Sabaah) - The Interior Ministry called leaders of all political, religious and social parties and blocs at all provinces to register their offices at the ministry, while it asked foreign visitors to Iraq to state their residence in Iraq 10 days after arrival in the country, Interior Minister Jawad Bolani said at statement. A source at the residence of the directorate said that these procedures aim to prevent illegal residence and control those who enter the country with violent intent.
Labels: foreigners in Iraq, Ministry of Interior
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Islamic State denies capture of leader
Insurgency
(SITE) Media reports on Sunday, March 4, cited Iraqi Interior Ministry officials as claiming the arrest of Muharib Mohammed Abdullah, believed to be Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, in a joint raid by Iraqi and U.S. soldiers in Duluiyah, in Salah al-Din governorate. The following day, conflicting reports indicated the arrest of between two and four accomplices of Baghdadi, as well as doubt regarding Baghdadi’s capture.
The Islamic State of Iraq issued a statement to jihadist forums on Tuesday, March 6, 2007, denying recent claims by the Iraqi Ministry of Interior that the Emir of the Believers, Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, and those close to him were arrested by Iraqi security forces. This allegation, the group insists, is the latest in invented stories by the “infidel Maliki government”. The Islamic State assures that all leading officials and responsible people of the group are with their families, and if something did in fact happen to a leader, an official announcement would have been made. They remind that jihad is based on “doctrine and belief” and not on specific men, meaning that it will not cease even if a leader is killed or arrested.
Labels: Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, arrest, Duluiyah, Islamic State of Iraq, Ministry of Interior
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
Seized weapons caches appear on black market
Security
(Azzaman) The Ministry of Interior has launched an inquiry into how the weapons its forces capture during military operations find their way to black market again. A ministry source, refusing to be named, said the investigation was started following reports that Iraqi police officers resell the illegal weapons they seize. The source said initial findings point to covert links between gunmen and militia groups with ministry police forces. He said several officers have already been detained but declined to give further details.
COMMENT: The Iraqi security forces have for a long time been infiltrated by militia groups such as the Badr Corps (linked to the Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq) and al-Sadr's Mahdi Army. It isn't hard for these groups to redirect the seized weapons to the black market. COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: Badr Corps, Iraqi Army, Mahdi Army, Ministry of Interior, Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq
Friday, March 02, 2007
80 militants killed, 50 captured in Anbar
Security, Insurgency
(CNN) Eighty militants were killed and 50 were captured in fighting between Iraqi security forces and militants in Anbar province, the violent area west of Baghdad, the Iraqi Interior Ministry said Thursday. Iraqi police and soldiers, along with tribal leaders, battled al Qaeda in Iraq fighters in the Amriyat al-Falluja village, an Interior Ministry spokesman said.
A police official in the area, Ahmed al-Falluji, told Reuters news agency that 70 militants died in the fighting, and said three police officers also were killed. The statement from the Interior Ministry gave no information on casualties to Iraqi security forces or police. The fighting started Wednesday afternoon when dozens of militants attacked the village, about 12 miles (19 kilometers) south of Falluja, where local tribes have taken an anti-al Qaeda stance.
Reuters said residents fled the village when the attack began and asked Iraqi security forces for help. Fighting lasted through Wednesday evening. Three foreign fighters were among those captured. American troops were not involved, a U.S. military spokesman in Falluja told Reuters. A major power struggle is under way in the Sunni Arab-dominated province between Sunni tribal leaders and al Qaeda in Iraq militants, according to Reuters.
A police official in the area, Ahmed al-Falluji, told Reuters news agency that 70 militants died in the fighting, and said three police officers also were killed. The statement from the Interior Ministry gave no information on casualties to Iraqi security forces or police. The fighting started Wednesday afternoon when dozens of militants attacked the village, about 12 miles (19 kilometers) south of Falluja, where local tribes have taken an anti-al Qaeda stance.
Reuters said residents fled the village when the attack began and asked Iraqi security forces for help. Fighting lasted through Wednesday evening. Three foreign fighters were among those captured. American troops were not involved, a U.S. military spokesman in Falluja told Reuters. A major power struggle is under way in the Sunni Arab-dominated province between Sunni tribal leaders and al Qaeda in Iraq militants, according to Reuters.
Labels: Al Anbar, Al Qaeda in Iraq, Amriyat al-Falluja, Ministry of Interior, tribal leaders
