Tuesday, September 18, 2007
A “Salvation Council” And Two “Battalions” Have Been Formed In Mosul To Fight Al Qaida
Security, Tribal
(Azzaman Newspaper) - 17 SEP - Duraid Mohammed Kashmula - Ninawa’s Governor said “Al Qaida members have been coming into Mosul …after fleeing from Baghdad and Anbar provinces.” During a meeting with “Bill Rowe, the MNF’s Deputy Commander”, who visited Mosul on Saturday, Kashmula said, “The (Ninawa Province’s) security forces are suffering from a shortage of equipment and weapons.” Kashmula called for the government to take care of the security forces in Mosul. Kashmula also said, “The central Government has not helped Mosul; the central government has not hired new people for Mosul’s government facilities.”
During a press conference that was held in Washington DC, General David Petraeus, the US forces Commander in Iraq, said: Al Qaida is planning on conducting operations in Mosul…Al Qaida has lost its safe haven in Anbar.
In related news, Sheikh Fawaz Al Jarba said, “The Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki has agreed to form a Mosul Salvation Council (similar to Anbar’s Salvation Council). This Council will include Mosul’s tribes (that are willing) to fight Al Qaida.” Al Jarba clarified “Two battalions, including the tribal fighters will be formed.” Sheikh Al Jarba told Iraq Voices news agency “The council includes tribes of: Shimar, Taie, Al Nay’im, Albu Badran, Yazidi (sect’s) tribe and Jarjariya. All these tribes will cooperate in cleansing the Province of Al Qaida (ridding the Province of Al Qaida).”
Al Jarba added, “I received an official message from the Prime Minister, Nuri Al Maliki; this message included an agreement (authorization) to form two ‘military battalions’ that include (fighters from) these tribes. Each battalion will have 650 fighters. In the past, similar (Salvation or Awakening) Council’s have formed in (the Provinces of) Anbar, Diyala, Salah Ad Din, and Baghdad. The purpose of these councils is to fight Al Qaida. These Councils cooperate with the Iraqi government and the MNF forces.
Al Jarba also said “Our Council wants (intends) to control the highway between Mosul and Ramadi. This highway is used by Al Qaida to infiltrate Mosul. We have a plan to ‘clear’ the villages and towns located around Mosul; and then to move into the City’s center.” Al Jarba also mentioned “The Mosul Salvation Council members have contact with Kurdish leaders. The Kurdish leaders have expressed their support for this Council.”
Al Jarba added, “Al Qaida in Mosul has fought and targeted residents and civilians; therefore everyone wants to support the government to fight Al Qaida. The Shimar tribe has lost nine men, from (just) one family, killed by Al Qaida.”
During a press conference that was held in Washington DC, General David Petraeus, the US forces Commander in Iraq, said: Al Qaida is planning on conducting operations in Mosul…Al Qaida has lost its safe haven in Anbar.
In related news, Sheikh Fawaz Al Jarba said, “The Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki has agreed to form a Mosul Salvation Council (similar to Anbar’s Salvation Council). This Council will include Mosul’s tribes (that are willing) to fight Al Qaida.” Al Jarba clarified “Two battalions, including the tribal fighters will be formed.” Sheikh Al Jarba told Iraq Voices news agency “The council includes tribes of: Shimar, Taie, Al Nay’im, Albu Badran, Yazidi (sect’s) tribe and Jarjariya. All these tribes will cooperate in cleansing the Province of Al Qaida (ridding the Province of Al Qaida).”
Al Jarba added, “I received an official message from the Prime Minister, Nuri Al Maliki; this message included an agreement (authorization) to form two ‘military battalions’ that include (fighters from) these tribes. Each battalion will have 650 fighters. In the past, similar (Salvation or Awakening) Council’s have formed in (the Provinces of) Anbar, Diyala, Salah Ad Din, and Baghdad. The purpose of these councils is to fight Al Qaida. These Councils cooperate with the Iraqi government and the MNF forces.
Al Jarba also said “Our Council wants (intends) to control the highway between Mosul and Ramadi. This highway is used by Al Qaida to infiltrate Mosul. We have a plan to ‘clear’ the villages and towns located around Mosul; and then to move into the City’s center.” Al Jarba also mentioned “The Mosul Salvation Council members have contact with Kurdish leaders. The Kurdish leaders have expressed their support for this Council.”
Al Jarba added, “Al Qaida in Mosul has fought and targeted residents and civilians; therefore everyone wants to support the government to fight Al Qaida. The Shimar tribe has lost nine men, from (just) one family, killed by Al Qaida.”
Labels: Al Nay’im, Al Qaeda, Albu Badran, Jarjariya, Mosul, Mosul Salvation Council, Shimar, Taie, Yazidis
Mosul curfew lifted
Security
(Gulf News) - The four-day curfew imposed on Mosul since late last Friday because of potential threats from Al Qaida to attack targets in the Sunni-dominated city was lifted yesterday, residents said. Duraid Kashmolah, Mosul's governor, announced in an earlier statement "that because of threats from Al Qaida, and to preserve the security of the city, a curfew was decided starting from late last Friday and early Monday morning."
It was not immediately known what security measures were taken in the city to face any possible threats from Al Qaida. Mosul has approximately three million inhabitants, mostly Sunni Arabs and Kurds, Christians, Yezides and Sabians. The province is facing disputes between Arabs and Kurds yet is expected to resolve this under article 140 of the permanent Iraqi constitution.
The deteriorating security situation has turned the province into a city of panic. Citizens erected barricades to the entrance of each neighbourhood after the recent attacks in the Sinjar area which claimed the lives of 344 Yezide Kurds according to the latest statistics. Meanwhile, Arab-Kurdish tension continues to prevail in the city.
Zuhair Al Tamimi, a political researcher at Mosul University, told Gulf News: "I believe there is an American and Turkish conspiracy against Mosul which aims to raise ethnic, religious and sectarian divisions...I think violence has already led citizens to a complete geographical segregation.. It means the city is divided with no official announcement, beside people cannot coexist together nor trust each other."
Talkaif, a Christian-inhabited area rushed to fortify its neighbourhoods with barriers and formed a night watch, Joseph Najeeb, an Iraqi engineer living in Talkaif, told Gulf News. "Christians will be targeted later by bloody explosions. It does not mean there is an Islamic-Christian conflict because those who do these acts are targeting Christians, Muslims, Arabs and Kurds alike. I think the plan is to empty Mosul from its original inhabitants to be controlled by regional forces."
Mosul turns into a ghost town after about 6pm. Many of its population supported Saddam's regime and some commemorate the anniversary of the deaths of Uday and Qusay (Saddam's sons) in 2003 in Mosul .Omar Al Faydhi, a cleric in Mosul, told Gulf News: "The American occupation succeeded in creating mistrust among Mosul citizens, they managed to make them accuse and kill each other."
It was not immediately known what security measures were taken in the city to face any possible threats from Al Qaida. Mosul has approximately three million inhabitants, mostly Sunni Arabs and Kurds, Christians, Yezides and Sabians. The province is facing disputes between Arabs and Kurds yet is expected to resolve this under article 140 of the permanent Iraqi constitution.
The deteriorating security situation has turned the province into a city of panic. Citizens erected barricades to the entrance of each neighbourhood after the recent attacks in the Sinjar area which claimed the lives of 344 Yezide Kurds according to the latest statistics. Meanwhile, Arab-Kurdish tension continues to prevail in the city.
Zuhair Al Tamimi, a political researcher at Mosul University, told Gulf News: "I believe there is an American and Turkish conspiracy against Mosul which aims to raise ethnic, religious and sectarian divisions...I think violence has already led citizens to a complete geographical segregation.. It means the city is divided with no official announcement, beside people cannot coexist together nor trust each other."
Talkaif, a Christian-inhabited area rushed to fortify its neighbourhoods with barriers and formed a night watch, Joseph Najeeb, an Iraqi engineer living in Talkaif, told Gulf News. "Christians will be targeted later by bloody explosions. It does not mean there is an Islamic-Christian conflict because those who do these acts are targeting Christians, Muslims, Arabs and Kurds alike. I think the plan is to empty Mosul from its original inhabitants to be controlled by regional forces."
Mosul turns into a ghost town after about 6pm. Many of its population supported Saddam's regime and some commemorate the anniversary of the deaths of Uday and Qusay (Saddam's sons) in 2003 in Mosul .Omar Al Faydhi, a cleric in Mosul, told Gulf News: "The American occupation succeeded in creating mistrust among Mosul citizens, they managed to make them accuse and kill each other."
Labels: Al Qaeda, curfew, Duraid Kashmolah, Mosul
Monday, September 10, 2007
Gunmen blow up mosque in Mosul
Security
(Voices of Iraq) - Unknown gunmen blew up the dome of a mosque in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, an official source from Ninewa police said on Monday. "Unknown gunmen blew up the dome al-Sabrin mosque in al-Wahda neighborhood, southwestern Mosul, on Sunday evening, after they remotely detonated explosives planted into it," the source, who asked not to be named, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI). The source added "the blast caused the mosque dome to collapse." Last Wednesday, a truck crammed with explosives detonated near the same mosque, severely damaging it. Mosul, capital city of Ninewa province, is 405 km north of the Iraqi capital Baghdad.
Labels: al-Sabrin mosque, al-Wahda, Mosul
Mastermind behind Yazidi attack killed by U.S.
Security
(Gulf News) - A US air strike killed the Al Qaida militant who masterminded Iraq's deadliest bombings which killed more than 400 people on August 14, targeting the Yazidi sect, a US military spokesman said yesterday. He also said that "hundreds" of Al Qaida in Iraq had been captured or killed last month. "On September 3, a coalition air strike killed the terrorist responsible for the planning and conducting of the horrific attack against the Yazidis in northern Iraq on August 14," Rear Admiral Mark Fox said. Abu Mohammad Al Afri, also known as Abu Jasem, was killed in the air strike, southwest of the northern city of Mosul, Fox said.
Labels: Abu Jasem, Abu Mohammad Al Afri, air strike, Al Qaeda in Iraq, Mosul, Rear Admiral Mark Fox, Sinjar, Yazidis
Friday, September 07, 2007
Former protector of al-Askari shrine arrested
Security
(Voices of Iraq) - Security forces in Mosul arrested the former official responsible for protecting al-Askari shrine in the city of Samara, the official spokesman for the interior ministry said on Thursday. "Aws Tareq Farid, who is suspected of colluding with the gunmen who blew up the mosque on February 2006, was arrested in the city of Mosul at 12:00 pm on Wednesday," General Abdul Karim Khalaf told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI) by phone.
"Intelligence reports asserted that the suspect had returned from Syria, where he fled to, and security forces arrested him in Mosul," he also said. "The arrest warrant was issued last year and the judicial order to arrest him was implemented only yesterday," the general said, noting that he was sent to Baghdad for investigation.
The Al-Askari Mosque bombing occurred in the Iraqi city of Samara on February 22, 2006, at about 6:55 a.m. local time. The attack on the mosque, one of the holiest sites for Shiite Muslims, is believed to have been caused by al-Qaeda in Iraq. Although no injuries occurred in the blasts, the mosque was severely damaged.
"Intelligence reports asserted that the suspect had returned from Syria, where he fled to, and security forces arrested him in Mosul," he also said. "The arrest warrant was issued last year and the judicial order to arrest him was implemented only yesterday," the general said, noting that he was sent to Baghdad for investigation.
The Al-Askari Mosque bombing occurred in the Iraqi city of Samara on February 22, 2006, at about 6:55 a.m. local time. The attack on the mosque, one of the holiest sites for Shiite Muslims, is believed to have been caused by al-Qaeda in Iraq. Although no injuries occurred in the blasts, the mosque was severely damaged.
Labels: al-Askari shrine, Aws Tareq Farid, General Abdul Karim Khalaf, Mosul, Samarra
Friday, August 24, 2007
Car bomb explodes in Mosul
Security
(Voices of Iraq) - At least two people were killed and 12 others were wounded as a car bomb exploded on Thursday afternoon in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, a police source said. "A car bomb detonated, this afternoon, in al-Farouq neighborhood, central Mosul, killing two persons, including a policeman, and wounding 12 more," Brigadier Abdul Karim al-Juburi, Ninewa police operations' chief, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
The source added "among the wounded were four policemen and four children. The explosion occurred when al-Hadba police patrols tried to recover two bodies left inside a car parked in al-Farouq neighborhood," al-Juburi explained. The blast also caused damage to nearby houses and commercial shops, the source added. Mosul, capital city of Ninewa province, is 405 km north of Baghdad.
The source added "among the wounded were four policemen and four children. The explosion occurred when al-Hadba police patrols tried to recover two bodies left inside a car parked in al-Farouq neighborhood," al-Juburi explained. The blast also caused damage to nearby houses and commercial shops, the source added. Mosul, capital city of Ninewa province, is 405 km north of Baghdad.
COMMENT: This may be a new tactic. It has not been reported before that dead bodies in a car have been used to trigger bombs. COMMENT ENDS.
Labels: al-Farouq neighborhood, Brigadier Abdul Karim al-Juburi, car bomb, Mosul
Monday, August 20, 2007
Mosul curfew extended
Security
(Azzaman) - Iraq’s second largest city, Mosul, has been placed under a tight curfew covering most of the day and the whole night. The decision to slap the curfew was taken by Governor Duraid Kashmoullah following the devastating car bombings on Wednesday in which 400 people were killed and 600 wounded. The villages targeted were inhabited by Yazidis, a little know sect to the world whose members in the eyes of Qaeda organization are infidels who must either convert to Islam or die.
The devastated villages though under Kurdish militia control are still within the provincial borders of Nineveh of which Mosul is the capital. The bombings have sent yet another signal that Mosul is turning into a major Qaeda garrison. Many parts of the city itself are no-go areas for both Iraqi and U.S. troops and Qaeda militants impose their way of life relying on a strict interpretation of Islam on most of the province.
Kashmoullah in announcing the extension of the curfew to 6 a.m. from 3 p.m. said his decision was driven by “the necessity to take new security measures.” He did reveal the measures but acknowledge that operations by insurgents have increased recently and he was keen to have them contained.
The devastated villages though under Kurdish militia control are still within the provincial borders of Nineveh of which Mosul is the capital. The bombings have sent yet another signal that Mosul is turning into a major Qaeda garrison. Many parts of the city itself are no-go areas for both Iraqi and U.S. troops and Qaeda militants impose their way of life relying on a strict interpretation of Islam on most of the province.
Kashmoullah in announcing the extension of the curfew to 6 a.m. from 3 p.m. said his decision was driven by “the necessity to take new security measures.” He did reveal the measures but acknowledge that operations by insurgents have increased recently and he was keen to have them contained.
Labels: Al Qaeda, curfew, Governor Duraid Kashmoullah, Mosul, Yezidis
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Information on Yezidis
Religion
Yezidis worship one God but no prophets. They recognize and respect both Jesus and Mohammed, but as men of faith, not prophets. Yezidi beliefs are a complicated mixture of Islamic and Zoroastrian beliefs, with Gnostic, Jewish, and Shamanistic elements. Worship centers around seven Angels (Malek is from the Arabic word for 'angel'), the most important of which is named Melek Taus, or the "Peacock Angel," also known as Lucifer.
Lucifer plays a different role in Yezidism, where he is considered the chief Archangel, and the creator of the material world. In Yezidi belief, Lucifer is not a fallen angel, or the enemy of God. They are forbidden from referring to him as Satan. The Yezidi have long been accused of "Devil worship" due to misunderstandings of their religious doctrine. In the Yezidi religion, Lucifer is a beneficient deity, long since reconciled with the Creator.
In this religion, God created Adam, but no Eve, and therefore all men came from Adam alone. The Yezidis were first born among all men, and consider themselves to be “the chosen people.” The Yezidis are strictly forbidden to marry outside the Yezidi, and must marry within their caste. While Kurds say the Yezidis are Kurds, the Yezidis claim to be neither Arab nor Kurd, simply Yezidis or, perhaps, Yezidi first and Kurd second.
The designation “Yezidi” applies to both a set of religious beliefs and a genetic or tribal identity. Because Yezidis keep to themselves, it is easy for others to misunderstand, or deliberately mis-project, the Yezidi religion. This can have dire consequences. One must now be born Yezidi, and converts are not accepted. There is no specific Yezidi Holy text, but important information about Yezidi practices is contained in the Mes'haf i Resh, or "black book", and the Jilwa, or "book of revelation." The Yezidi religion places taboos on the eating of fish or the meat of gazelles; the wearing of blue clothing is forbidden. Many Yazidi rituals center on Sheik Adi, a Sufi Arab who lived in northern Iraq in the 12th century and is considered the religion's chief saint. Pilgrims hold festivals near his tomb, north of Mosul.
Yazidis are primarily ethnic Kurds, and most live in Sinjar district, 120 km to the northwest of Mosul. Some 100,000 - 350,000 (estimates vary) Yazidis are living in villages around Mosul, 405 km north of Baghdad. There are smaller communities in Armenia (some 40,000 according to 2001 census), Georgia, Iran, Russia (31,273 as per 2002 census), Syria, and Turkey (some 80,000 in 1970; 23,000 in 1985 and 377 people in 2007). They number around 500,000 individuals in total, but estimates vary on their population size, partially due to the Yazidi tradition of secrecy when asked about one's religious beliefs.
Labels: Jilwa, Melek Taus, Mes'haf i Resh, Mosul, Peacock Angel, Sheik Adi, Yezidis
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Mosul becomes focal point of Sunni Wahabi extremists
Insurgency
(AsiaNews) -- Mosul, north west Iraq, has now become "the principal focal point of Sunni wahabi extremism in Iraq", which aims to create an Islamic state at all costs in the zone and to re-establish the caliphate. This project is being supported by "outside countries". The alarm arrives from AsiaNews sources in Iraq, who warn: these fundamentalists believe to posses the only truth and this is why they aim to eliminate anyone who refuses to recognise this.
First among those are the Christians, but also Shiite Muslims. For the moment they content themselves with extorting money from their opponents, through kidnappings or the jizya -- the "compensation" tax demanded by the Koran from non-Muslim subjects -- but in time they will also begin to force them from their homes.
The violence which plagues Mosul's Christian community reached its' climax with the brutal murder of the Chaldean Priest Fr. Ragheed Gani and his three sub deacons June 3rd last following mass. But the violence persists. A married Chaldean has been in captivity for over a week; his family has already paid his ransom twice over, but have yet to receive news of his release.
The violence which plagues Mosul's Christian community reached its' climax with the brutal murder of the Chaldean Priest Fr. Ragheed Gani and his three sub deacons June 3rd last following mass. But the violence persists. A married Chaldean has been in captivity for over a week; his family has already paid his ransom twice over, but have yet to receive news of his release.
On August 3rd a command group of terrorists erupted into the home of Christian, Tamir Azoz, in the central Al-Hadba'a district, they wanted to take him away; eye witnesses tell that the well built man resisted, saying he would not leave his family alone abandoned to an unknown destiny and that in the end he was killed. "The small flock of Christians -- says a local diocesan priest -- is once again in the grips of fear and panic, they feel isolated".
Labels: Fr. Ragheed Gani, Iraqi Christians, jizya, Mosul, Wahabis
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Captured senior Al Qaeda in Iraq leader calls Islamic State of Iraq a front
Insurgency
(CNN) - The U.S. military on Wednesday announced the arrest of a senior leader of al Qaeda in Iraq, an insurgent who, the military said, is casting himself as a "conduit" between the top leaders of al Qaeda and al Qaeda in Iraq. Khalid al-Mashadani, an Iraqi also known as Abu Shahed, was seized on July 4 in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul and is in coalition custody, the military said.
"He served as the al Qaeda media emir for Baghdad and then was appointed the media emir for all of Iraq," said Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Bergner, Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesman, who briefed reporters. He is believed to be the most senior Iraqi in al Qaeda in Iraq. During interrogations, al-Mashadani shed light on the workings of al Qaeda in Iraq and its connection with al Qaeda outside of Iraq, Bergner said.
He said al-Mashadani is a close associate of al Qaeda in Iraq leader Abu Ayyub al-Masri and served as an "intermediary" between al-Masri, al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri, the second-in-command of al Qaeda. "In fact, communication between senior al Qaeda leadership and al-Masri frequently went through al-Mashadani," Bergner said.
Bergner said al-Mashadani co-founded an organization "in cyberspace" called the Islamic State of Iraq, which he referred to as a "marketing" effort to create a Taliban-like state in Iraq. U.S. counterterrorism officials also told CNN that al-Mashadani was a top lieutenant to al-Masri and regarded as a "jack of all trades," involved in recruitment and in organizing and planning attacks, with particular interest in propaganda activities.
One of those officials said the announcement of his arrest was delayed because officials wanted to "maximize their ability to get information" from him before others he was associated with knew about his detention. Al-Mashadani also shed light on the Islamic State of Iraq, the so-called umbrella group of Iraqi insurgents that includes al Qaeda in Iraq.
That group has claimed responsibility for many terrorist attacks. But Bergner said that al-Mashadani passed on the information that the creation of the group was a ruse to cast itself as home-grown, when in fact it is led by foreigners. It went so far as to create a fictional political head of Islamic State of Iraq, Omar al-Baghdadi and an actor was used to portray him.
Bergner said Islamic State of Iraq is "a front organization" for al Qaeda in Iraq and a "pseudonym" for it as well.
"It is really being controlled, directed and guided by al Qaeda in Iraq leadership." Bergner also said al-Mashadani was a leader in the Ansar al Sunna terrorist group before joining al Qaeda in Iraq two-and-a-half-years ago.
What the U.S. military has learned from al-Mashadani and other operatives they've seized is that "there is a flow of strategic direction, of prioritization of messaging and other guidance that comes from al Qaeda senior leadership to the al Qaeda in Iraq leadership," Bergner said. Bergner emphasizes that that there is a "clear connection between al Qaeda in Iraq and al Qaeda senior leadership outside Iraq."
The arrest of al-Mashadani was announced amid controversy over President Bush's contention that al Qaeda and al Qaeda in Iraq are one and the same. The evidence has been not been significant about the extent of the relationship. But a new U.S. government intelligence analysis released Tuesday said al Qaeda's terrorist activities in Iraq not only serve to bolster the group and recruit more members, but may also be the nexus for another planned attack on U.S. soil.
The declassified portion of the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) warns of "a persistent and evolving terrorist threat over the next three years" from Islamic terrorist groups, namely al Qaeda. Al Qaeda is increasing its efforts to get operatives into the United States for an attack and has nearly all the capabilities it needs to carry out such a mission, according to the report, which represents the combined analyses of all 16 U.S. intelligence agencies.
"He served as the al Qaeda media emir for Baghdad and then was appointed the media emir for all of Iraq," said Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Bergner, Multi-National Force-Iraq spokesman, who briefed reporters. He is believed to be the most senior Iraqi in al Qaeda in Iraq. During interrogations, al-Mashadani shed light on the workings of al Qaeda in Iraq and its connection with al Qaeda outside of Iraq, Bergner said.
He said al-Mashadani is a close associate of al Qaeda in Iraq leader Abu Ayyub al-Masri and served as an "intermediary" between al-Masri, al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri, the second-in-command of al Qaeda. "In fact, communication between senior al Qaeda leadership and al-Masri frequently went through al-Mashadani," Bergner said.
Bergner said al-Mashadani co-founded an organization "in cyberspace" called the Islamic State of Iraq, which he referred to as a "marketing" effort to create a Taliban-like state in Iraq. U.S. counterterrorism officials also told CNN that al-Mashadani was a top lieutenant to al-Masri and regarded as a "jack of all trades," involved in recruitment and in organizing and planning attacks, with particular interest in propaganda activities.
One of those officials said the announcement of his arrest was delayed because officials wanted to "maximize their ability to get information" from him before others he was associated with knew about his detention. Al-Mashadani also shed light on the Islamic State of Iraq, the so-called umbrella group of Iraqi insurgents that includes al Qaeda in Iraq.
That group has claimed responsibility for many terrorist attacks. But Bergner said that al-Mashadani passed on the information that the creation of the group was a ruse to cast itself as home-grown, when in fact it is led by foreigners. It went so far as to create a fictional political head of Islamic State of Iraq, Omar al-Baghdadi and an actor was used to portray him.
Bergner said Islamic State of Iraq is "a front organization" for al Qaeda in Iraq and a "pseudonym" for it as well.
"It is really being controlled, directed and guided by al Qaeda in Iraq leadership." Bergner also said al-Mashadani was a leader in the Ansar al Sunna terrorist group before joining al Qaeda in Iraq two-and-a-half-years ago.
What the U.S. military has learned from al-Mashadani and other operatives they've seized is that "there is a flow of strategic direction, of prioritization of messaging and other guidance that comes from al Qaeda senior leadership to the al Qaeda in Iraq leadership," Bergner said. Bergner emphasizes that that there is a "clear connection between al Qaeda in Iraq and al Qaeda senior leadership outside Iraq."
The arrest of al-Mashadani was announced amid controversy over President Bush's contention that al Qaeda and al Qaeda in Iraq are one and the same. The evidence has been not been significant about the extent of the relationship. But a new U.S. government intelligence analysis released Tuesday said al Qaeda's terrorist activities in Iraq not only serve to bolster the group and recruit more members, but may also be the nexus for another planned attack on U.S. soil.
The declassified portion of the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) warns of "a persistent and evolving terrorist threat over the next three years" from Islamic terrorist groups, namely al Qaeda. Al Qaeda is increasing its efforts to get operatives into the United States for an attack and has nearly all the capabilities it needs to carry out such a mission, according to the report, which represents the combined analyses of all 16 U.S. intelligence agencies.
Labels: Abu Omar al-Baghdadi, Abu Shahed, Al Qaeda, Al Qaeda in Iraq, al-Masri, al-Zawahiri, Ansar Al Sunna, Brig. Gen. Kevin J. Bergner, Islamic State of Iraq, Khalid al-Mashadani, Mosul, Osama bin Laden
Monday, July 02, 2007
Al Qaeda show of force in Mosul
Insurgency
(Azzaman) - Hundreds of Qaeda-linked fighters drove into the streets of the northern city of Mosul, brandishing their weapons and shouting Islamic slogans. The parade, early this week, was a show of force that the group did not fear the presence of the lightly armed and terror-stricken Iraqi police officers and paid little attention to U.S. marines camped outside the city.
Mosul has turned into one of the most violent cities in Iraq with the Qaeda fighters imposing their strict interpretation of Islamic jurisdiction by force. The city is being emptied of its once thriving Christian community following the murder of two priests and several deacons. Many churches, whose spires dot the city’s skyline, are deserted. Other minorities like the Shebeks, who are Shiites, and Yazidis, are also being targeted
Qaeda’s influence in Mosul, which many see as the country’s second largest after Baghdad, has grown tremendously since the start of the U.S. military campaign to subdue Baghdad more than four months ago. Mosul, the capital of Nineveh Province, was a mosaic of faiths, sects and nationalities. That fascinating feature has been eroding since the 2003 U.S. invasion.
A predominantly Sunni city, Mosul is now a major stronghold of anti-U.S. resistance but the surge of Qaeda has unnerved many in the city, including Sunni Muslims. With the U.S. troops and Iraqi forces engaged in pitched battles with Qaeda in Baghdad, Diyala and Ramadi, there is little for the government to do to regain some semblance of control in the city.
The government has even lost control of the predominantly Shiite city of Basra in the south. It may not be difficult for U.S. troops to move into Qaeda-controlled areas but it is apparently impossible for them to hold the ground they have retaken for long. Iraqi troops are no match to Qaeda and once they are deployed in areas cleared by Americans, the only way for the troops to survive is to come to some form of agreement with the rebels. The U.S. does not have enough troops to subdue the whole country permanently and Iraqi forces are ill prepared for the job.
Mosul has turned into one of the most violent cities in Iraq with the Qaeda fighters imposing their strict interpretation of Islamic jurisdiction by force. The city is being emptied of its once thriving Christian community following the murder of two priests and several deacons. Many churches, whose spires dot the city’s skyline, are deserted. Other minorities like the Shebeks, who are Shiites, and Yazidis, are also being targeted
Qaeda’s influence in Mosul, which many see as the country’s second largest after Baghdad, has grown tremendously since the start of the U.S. military campaign to subdue Baghdad more than four months ago. Mosul, the capital of Nineveh Province, was a mosaic of faiths, sects and nationalities. That fascinating feature has been eroding since the 2003 U.S. invasion.
A predominantly Sunni city, Mosul is now a major stronghold of anti-U.S. resistance but the surge of Qaeda has unnerved many in the city, including Sunni Muslims. With the U.S. troops and Iraqi forces engaged in pitched battles with Qaeda in Baghdad, Diyala and Ramadi, there is little for the government to do to regain some semblance of control in the city.
The government has even lost control of the predominantly Shiite city of Basra in the south. It may not be difficult for U.S. troops to move into Qaeda-controlled areas but it is apparently impossible for them to hold the ground they have retaken for long. Iraqi troops are no match to Qaeda and once they are deployed in areas cleared by Americans, the only way for the troops to survive is to come to some form of agreement with the rebels. The U.S. does not have enough troops to subdue the whole country permanently and Iraqi forces are ill prepared for the job.
The heavy presence of Qaeda in Mosul is threatening the relative quiet of several towns and regions in northern Iraq. Violence has spread to several Christian districts in the Province. Authorities in the so far peaceful Kurdish cities of Arbil and Dahouk, which border Nineveh Province, are concerned about the fallout of Qaeda’s influence in Mosul.
Labels: Al Qaeda, Christians, Mosul, Shebeks, Yezidis
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Tribal leaders gunned down in Mosul
Security, Tribal
(Azzaman) - Three tribal leaders in the northern city of Mosul have been gunned down by unidentified assailants. Attacks on tribal chiefs in Iraq, particularly in the Sunni-dominated areas of central and northern Iraq have increased recently. The attacks come following reports that certain tribes were no longer willing to provide refuge for al-Qaeda-linked insurgents and some had mobilized their armed men to have them flushed from their areas.
But it seems the group is too strong to be beaten by Iraqi tribes and its members are reported to be murdering the chiefs of any tribe standing against them. In the northern city of Mosul, three leaders of major tribes have been killed. The first, Shaikh Khanim Ibrahim al-Sabaawi, was leader of the powerful al-Sabaawi tribe. Earlier unidentified gunmen had killed Khanim al-Hadi of al-Aqidat tribe and Ghazi al-Hanash of Tai tribe.
Reports that they were liquidated by al-Qaeda still need to be independently verified but eyewitnesses say the three chiefs were shot and killed by unknown assailants.
But it seems the group is too strong to be beaten by Iraqi tribes and its members are reported to be murdering the chiefs of any tribe standing against them. In the northern city of Mosul, three leaders of major tribes have been killed. The first, Shaikh Khanim Ibrahim al-Sabaawi, was leader of the powerful al-Sabaawi tribe. Earlier unidentified gunmen had killed Khanim al-Hadi of al-Aqidat tribe and Ghazi al-Hanash of Tai tribe.
Reports that they were liquidated by al-Qaeda still need to be independently verified but eyewitnesses say the three chiefs were shot and killed by unknown assailants.
Meantime, pressure on Iraqi Christians in Mosul is mounting with armed groups warning that they will either turn to Islam or leave. Mosul is one of Iraq’s main Christian centers. Many of the city’s numerous churches and monasteries have been abandoned with the largest portion of the nearly 150,000-Christian community forced to flee. Early this week, a priest and three deacons were killed as they left their church.
Labels: al-Aqidat tribe, al-Sabaawi tribe, Ghazi al-Hanash, Iraqi Christians, Khanim al-Hadi, Mosul, Shaikh Khanim Ibrahim al-Sabaawi, Tai tribe, tribal leaders
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
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Round-up of violence across Iraq
Security
(Reuters) - Following are security developments in Iraq at 1100 GMT on Wednesday:
* denotes new or updated item.
* HAMZA - A roadside bomb targeting a police intelligence officer's convoy killed two of his bodyguards and wounded three others, including the officer, police and medical sources said.
* MOSUL - A roadside bomb targeting a U.S. patrol wounded two civilians in Mosul, 390 km north of Baghdad, police said.
* BAGHDAD - U.S. soldiers detained 23 suspected insurgents during raids against suspected al Qaeda members in Baghdad, Mosul, Anbar and Saladdin provinces, the U.S. military said.
* BAGHDAD - The Iraqi army killed seven insurgents and arrested 53 others in the past 24 hours in different parts of Iraq, the Defence Ministry said.
FALLUJA - At least five people were killed and 15 wounded by mortar attacks in two different districts in the Sunni stronghold of Falluja, 50 km (35 miles) west of Baghdad, police said.
MOSUL - A woman was killed and two policemen were wounded in clashes between gunmen and police in Mosul, police said.
BAGHDAD - U.S. forces detained five suspected insurgents and one suspected cell leader during a raid in Sadr city in north-eastern Baghdad, the U.S. military said. The raid targeted members of a network suspected of importing roadside bombs and weapons from Iran.
BAGHDAD - The bodies of 30 people who had been shot were found in different districts of Baghdad on Tuesday, police said.
MADAEN - A roadside bomb targeting police commandos wounded four policemen on Tuesday in Madaen, 45 km south of Baghdad, police said.
BAGHDAD - Three people were wounded by a mortar attack in Jamiaa district of western Baghdad, police said.
ISKANDARIYA - Gunmen wounded three policemen when they attacked a checkpoint on Tuesday in the town of Iskandariya, 40 km south of Baghdad, police said.
* denotes new or updated item.
* HAMZA - A roadside bomb targeting a police intelligence officer's convoy killed two of his bodyguards and wounded three others, including the officer, police and medical sources said.
* MOSUL - A roadside bomb targeting a U.S. patrol wounded two civilians in Mosul, 390 km north of Baghdad, police said.
* BAGHDAD - U.S. soldiers detained 23 suspected insurgents during raids against suspected al Qaeda members in Baghdad, Mosul, Anbar and Saladdin provinces, the U.S. military said.
* BAGHDAD - The Iraqi army killed seven insurgents and arrested 53 others in the past 24 hours in different parts of Iraq, the Defence Ministry said.
FALLUJA - At least five people were killed and 15 wounded by mortar attacks in two different districts in the Sunni stronghold of Falluja, 50 km (35 miles) west of Baghdad, police said.
MOSUL - A woman was killed and two policemen were wounded in clashes between gunmen and police in Mosul, police said.
BAGHDAD - U.S. forces detained five suspected insurgents and one suspected cell leader during a raid in Sadr city in north-eastern Baghdad, the U.S. military said. The raid targeted members of a network suspected of importing roadside bombs and weapons from Iran.
BAGHDAD - The bodies of 30 people who had been shot were found in different districts of Baghdad on Tuesday, police said.
MADAEN - A roadside bomb targeting police commandos wounded four policemen on Tuesday in Madaen, 45 km south of Baghdad, police said.
BAGHDAD - Three people were wounded by a mortar attack in Jamiaa district of western Baghdad, police said.
ISKANDARIYA - Gunmen wounded three policemen when they attacked a checkpoint on Tuesday in the town of Iskandariya, 40 km south of Baghdad, police said.
Labels: Baghdad, Fallujah, Hamza, insurgents, Iskandariyah, Jamiaa, Madaen, mortar rounds, Mosul, roadside bombs, Sadr City
Monday, May 28, 2007
Camp for displaced people to be set up in Arbil
Humanitarian
(Voices of Iraq) - A camp for displaced persons coming from Mosul will be set up in Arbil soon, mayor of Arbil's city of Khabat, Rizkar Mustafa, said on Sunday. "It will be an emergency camp where the displaced from Mosul can settle until we know their exact numbers and the security reasons related to their exodus," Mustafa told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
"The camp will be open to all displaced," Mustafa added, explaining that they included Iraqis from all communities and religious and ethnic groups. According to Mustafa, nearly 500 families, mostly from Baghdad and Diala, 60 km northeast of it, have fled to Arbil. Ninety percent of those from Mosul were Kurds, along with 25 Christian families and 20 Turkmen families.
"The province and the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) institutions have all made preparations for receiving the displaced. Around 2,000 tents will be set up," Mustafa indicated. "In cooperation with the regional government's institutions in Arbil, we have managed to provide the camp with water and electricity. Moreover, in coordination with the province, the Iraqi Red Crescent will supervise the camp," Mustafa said, explaining that the UN High Commissioner for Refugees will provide assistance to the displaced.
When asked about the number of displaced arriving in the province, Mustafa said that from two to five families arrive in Arbil everyday. "We sometimes receive 25 families a day," he added. Around 1,700 families have moved to Arbil, 700 of which are being housed in downtown Arbil, a relatively large number given the city's total population of 25,000.
"The camp will be open to all displaced," Mustafa added, explaining that they included Iraqis from all communities and religious and ethnic groups. According to Mustafa, nearly 500 families, mostly from Baghdad and Diala, 60 km northeast of it, have fled to Arbil. Ninety percent of those from Mosul were Kurds, along with 25 Christian families and 20 Turkmen families.
"The province and the Kurdistan Regional Government's (KRG) institutions have all made preparations for receiving the displaced. Around 2,000 tents will be set up," Mustafa indicated. "In cooperation with the regional government's institutions in Arbil, we have managed to provide the camp with water and electricity. Moreover, in coordination with the province, the Iraqi Red Crescent will supervise the camp," Mustafa said, explaining that the UN High Commissioner for Refugees will provide assistance to the displaced.
When asked about the number of displaced arriving in the province, Mustafa said that from two to five families arrive in Arbil everyday. "We sometimes receive 25 families a day," he added. Around 1,700 families have moved to Arbil, 700 of which are being housed in downtown Arbil, a relatively large number given the city's total population of 25,000.
Labels: Arbil, displaced people, KRG, Mosul, Rizkar Mustafa, UNHCR
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Islamic State of Iraq claims assassination attempt on Chalabi
Security
(SITE) - The Islamic State of Iraq, in five of their several communiqués issued between Monday, May 21, 2007, and yesterday, claims the attempted assassination of former deputy Iraqi Prime Minister Ahmed Chalabi, three operations allegedly resulting in a total number of thirty-nine American casualties, and a “bold and strange” operation executed by the Mujahideen in al-Mosul. Also, al-Furqan Foundation for Media Production, the official distributor and producer of multimedia for the Islamic State, issued a one-minute video depicting the detonation of an improvised explosive device (IED) on an American Hummer in the area of Abu Thar al-Ghafari in Diyala.
The assassination attempt on Chalabi by the Islamic State of Iraq occurred yesterday and involved the firing of mortar shells at an area in Bahrez, in Diyala, followed by gunfire. Attacks listed by the group against American forces took place in Baquba and al-Tahrir in Diyala and al-Ameriya in Baghdad, between May 16-17 and May 19. In one of these attack, an IED containing a “very explosive” substance was detonated on the soldiers in Baghdad, striking a vehicle and “inside were the cross worshippers who were fuel for this burning fire”.
In al-Mosul on Wednesday, May 16, the “strange” operation which the Islamic State claims involved the Mujahideen dressing as male nurses and infiltrating a hospital to free six detainees from their group, two of which were to be executed by the enemy. According to the message the Mujahideen killed the guards watching their members and escaped the hospital quickly without any person noticing.
The assassination attempt on Chalabi by the Islamic State of Iraq occurred yesterday and involved the firing of mortar shells at an area in Bahrez, in Diyala, followed by gunfire. Attacks listed by the group against American forces took place in Baquba and al-Tahrir in Diyala and al-Ameriya in Baghdad, between May 16-17 and May 19. In one of these attack, an IED containing a “very explosive” substance was detonated on the soldiers in Baghdad, striking a vehicle and “inside were the cross worshippers who were fuel for this burning fire”.
In al-Mosul on Wednesday, May 16, the “strange” operation which the Islamic State claims involved the Mujahideen dressing as male nurses and infiltrating a hospital to free six detainees from their group, two of which were to be executed by the enemy. According to the message the Mujahideen killed the guards watching their members and escaped the hospital quickly without any person noticing.
Labels: Ahmed Chalabi, Al-Furqan Foundation, Bahraz, Islamic State of Iraq, Mosul
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Gunmen blow up Mosul - Arbil bridge, Badoush bridge
Security, Kurdistan
(Voices of Iraq) - Unknown gunmen on Wednesday evening blew up a bridging linking the northern Iraqi city of Mosul to Kurdistan Arbil, a police source said. "Unknown gunmen this evening blew up bridge Aski to the east of Mosul," Brigadier Said Ahmed, Ninewa police media spokesman, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
The bridge connects Mosul city to Arbil. Earlier, a police source said unknown gunmen detonated two car bombs on both sides of Badoush bridge in northern Iraq bringing down the bridge with no casualties. "Unknown gunmen blew up Badoush bridge this afternoon after they placed and remotely detonated two car bombs near both sides of the bridge," Brigadier Abul-Karim al-Juburi, head of Ninewa police operations room, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
Badoush bridge connects Mosul, capital city of Ninewa province, to districts of Talafar and Rabia near the Iraqi borders with Syria in western Ninewa. Al-Juburi said "the attack left no casualties." The northern Iraqi city of Mosul was placed under curfew on Wednesday after clashes erupted in the Sunni city between armed groups and Iraqi security forces, a police source said.
"Armed clashes broke out this afternoon in a number of Mosul neighborhoods between armed groups and forces from Iraqi army and police," Brigadier Abdul-Karim al-Juburi, head of Ninewa police operations room, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI). Following the clashes, the local government decided to impose a curfew on the city until further notice, Brigadier al-Juburi said.
Al-Jaburu gave no further details. Local residents told VOI on the phone that today afternoon Mosul had been a scene of clashes between gunmen and security forces while U.S. choppers were flying in the sky of the city as non-stop fire exchange was still heard all over Mosul. Mosul is 402 km north of Baghdad.
The bridge connects Mosul city to Arbil. Earlier, a police source said unknown gunmen detonated two car bombs on both sides of Badoush bridge in northern Iraq bringing down the bridge with no casualties. "Unknown gunmen blew up Badoush bridge this afternoon after they placed and remotely detonated two car bombs near both sides of the bridge," Brigadier Abul-Karim al-Juburi, head of Ninewa police operations room, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI).
Badoush bridge connects Mosul, capital city of Ninewa province, to districts of Talafar and Rabia near the Iraqi borders with Syria in western Ninewa. Al-Juburi said "the attack left no casualties." The northern Iraqi city of Mosul was placed under curfew on Wednesday after clashes erupted in the Sunni city between armed groups and Iraqi security forces, a police source said.
"Armed clashes broke out this afternoon in a number of Mosul neighborhoods between armed groups and forces from Iraqi army and police," Brigadier Abdul-Karim al-Juburi, head of Ninewa police operations room, told the independent news agency Voices of Iraq (VOI). Following the clashes, the local government decided to impose a curfew on the city until further notice, Brigadier al-Juburi said.
Al-Jaburu gave no further details. Local residents told VOI on the phone that today afternoon Mosul had been a scene of clashes between gunmen and security forces while U.S. choppers were flying in the sky of the city as non-stop fire exchange was still heard all over Mosul. Mosul is 402 km north of Baghdad.
Al-Bawaba provides further details: An apparently co-ordinated attack by five suicide car bombers and scores of gunmen backed by mortars and bombs killed four policemen in the northern Iraqi city Mosul on Wednesday night and injured 30 other people, including 14 police officers, police said.
The attacks started after 7 p.m., when two suicide bombers detonated car bombs near the police station in Mosul, 360 kilometres northwest of Baghdad. Another two suicide car bombers blew up near the headquarters of the Democratic Party of Kurdistan in another area of town, said Wathiq al-Hamdani, provincial chief of police.
Another suicide car bomber targeting police was shot by guards before he could reach his target, al-Hamdani said. The series of attacks killed four police and wounded 30 other people, police said. Police fought back, killing 15 gunmen, al-Hamdani said.
The attacks started after 7 p.m., when two suicide bombers detonated car bombs near the police station in Mosul, 360 kilometres northwest of Baghdad. Another two suicide car bombers blew up near the headquarters of the Democratic Party of Kurdistan in another area of town, said Wathiq al-Hamdani, provincial chief of police.
Another suicide car bomber targeting police was shot by guards before he could reach his target, al-Hamdani said. The series of attacks killed four police and wounded 30 other people, police said. Police fought back, killing 15 gunmen, al-Hamdani said.
Labels: Arbil, Badoush bridge, bridge Aski, Brigadier Abdul-Karim al-Juburi, car bomb, clashes, curfew, gunmen, Iraqi Army, Mosul
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Round-up of violence across Iraq
Security
(McClatchy Newspapers) - Roundup of violence in Iraq - 14 May 2007
The daily Iraq violence report is compiled by McClatchy Newspapers Special Correspondent Laith Hammoudi in Baghdad from police, military and medical reports. This is not a comprehensive list of all violence in Iraq, much of which goes unreported. It’s posted without editing as transmitted to McClatchy’s Washington Bureau.
The daily Iraq violence report is compiled by McClatchy Newspapers Special Correspondent Laith Hammoudi in Baghdad from police, military and medical reports. This is not a comprehensive list of all violence in Iraq, much of which goes unreported. It’s posted without editing as transmitted to McClatchy’s Washington Bureau.
(Reuters) - Following are security developments in Iraq at 1100 GMT on Tuesday:
* denotes new or updated item.
* BAGHDAD - Five people were killed and 15 wounded when two roadside bombs exploded in quick succession near al-Tayaran square in central Baghdad, police said.
* BAGHDAD - Iraqi soldiers killed 16 insurgents and arrested 109 others during the past 24 hours in different parts of Iraq, the Defence Ministry said.
BAGHDAD - U.S. forces detained 10 suspected insurgents during raids targeting the Ansar al-Sunna group and al-Qaeda in Iraq networks in Mosul, Falluja and Taji, the U.S. military said.
NEAR TIKRIT - A policeman and a civilian were killed and a woman was wounded when gunmen attacked a police checkpoint near Tikrit, 175 km (110 miles) north of Baghdad, police said.
NEAR ISHAQI - Gunmen kidnapped three civilians on Monday night at a fake checkpoint near the town of Ishaqi, 100 km (60 miles) north of Baghdad, police said.
HAWIJA - One person was killed and two wounded when a roadside bomb exploded near a police patrol in Hawija, 70 km (40 miles) southwest of Baghdad, police said.
MOSUL - Four Iraqi soldiers were wounded in an attack by a suicide car bomber on their checkpoint near Mosul, 390 km (240 miles) north of Baghdad, an Iraqi army spokesman said.
ISKANDARIYA - An Iraqi soldier was killed and four others, including two civilians, were wounded when gunmen attacked an Iraqi army checkpoint on Monday night in Iskandariya, 40 km (25 miles) south of Baghdad, police said.
ANBAR - A U.S. Marine was killed in combat on Monday in western Anbar province, the U.S. military said.
* denotes new or updated item.
* BAGHDAD - Five people were killed and 15 wounded when two roadside bombs exploded in quick succession near al-Tayaran square in central Baghdad, police said.
* BAGHDAD - Iraqi soldiers killed 16 insurgents and arrested 109 others during the past 24 hours in different parts of Iraq, the Defence Ministry said.
BAGHDAD - U.S. forces detained 10 suspected insurgents during raids targeting the Ansar al-Sunna group and al-Qaeda in Iraq networks in Mosul, Falluja and Taji, the U.S. military said.
NEAR TIKRIT - A policeman and a civilian were killed and a woman was wounded when gunmen attacked a police checkpoint near Tikrit, 175 km (110 miles) north of Baghdad, police said.
NEAR ISHAQI - Gunmen kidnapped three civilians on Monday night at a fake checkpoint near the town of Ishaqi, 100 km (60 miles) north of Baghdad, police said.
HAWIJA - One person was killed and two wounded when a roadside bomb exploded near a police patrol in Hawija, 70 km (40 miles) southwest of Baghdad, police said.
MOSUL - Four Iraqi soldiers were wounded in an attack by a suicide car bomber on their checkpoint near Mosul, 390 km (240 miles) north of Baghdad, an Iraqi army spokesman said.
ISKANDARIYA - An Iraqi soldier was killed and four others, including two civilians, were wounded when gunmen attacked an Iraqi army checkpoint on Monday night in Iskandariya, 40 km (25 miles) south of Baghdad, police said.
ANBAR - A U.S. Marine was killed in combat on Monday in western Anbar province, the U.S. military said.
Labels: Al Anbar, al-Tayaran square, Hawija, Iskandariyah, Mosul, roadside bombs, suicide car bomber
Monday, May 14, 2007
Round-up of violence across Iraq
Security
Roundup of violence in Iraq - 13 May 2007
(McClatchy Newspapers) - The daily Iraq violence report is compiled by McClatchy Newspapers in Baghdad from police, military and medical reports. This is not a comprehensive list of all violence in Iraq, much of which goes unreported. It’s posted without editing as transmitted to McClatchy’s Washington Bureau.
(McClatchy Newspapers) - The daily Iraq violence report is compiled by McClatchy Newspapers in Baghdad from police, military and medical reports. This is not a comprehensive list of all violence in Iraq, much of which goes unreported. It’s posted without editing as transmitted to McClatchy’s Washington Bureau.
(Reuters) - Following are security developments in Iraq at 1400 GMT on Monday:
* Denotes new or updated item.
BAGHDAD - A roadside bomb targeting a police patrol killed one person and wounded 13, including four policemen, in Zaafaraniya district of southern Baghdad, police said.
BAGHDAD - A car bomb in a parking lot killed one person and wounded four others in the central Karrada district of Baghdad, police said.
BAGHDAD - A car bomb killed one person and wounded three others in Palestine Street in northeastern Baghdad, police said.
BAGHDAD - The bodies of 22 people were found in different districts of Baghdad on Sunday, police said.
* BAGHDAD - A suicide car bomber killed two Iraqi soldiers and wounded four others at a major intersection in western Baghdad, police said.
* NEAR BASRA - A roadside bomb wounded six Danish soldiers just north of Basra, British military spokesman Major David Gell said.
MOSUL - The bodies of six people, including a policeman, were found shot in different districts of the northern city of Mosul on Sunday, police said.
MOSUL - Gunmen killed two former members of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party in Mosul on Sunday, police said.
* Denotes new or updated item.
BAGHDAD - A roadside bomb targeting a police patrol killed one person and wounded 13, including four policemen, in Zaafaraniya district of southern Baghdad, police said.
BAGHDAD - A car bomb in a parking lot killed one person and wounded four others in the central Karrada district of Baghdad, police said.
BAGHDAD - A car bomb killed one person and wounded three others in Palestine Street in northeastern Baghdad, police said.
BAGHDAD - The bodies of 22 people were found in different districts of Baghdad on Sunday, police said.
* BAGHDAD - A suicide car bomber killed two Iraqi soldiers and wounded four others at a major intersection in western Baghdad, police said.
* NEAR BASRA - A roadside bomb wounded six Danish soldiers just north of Basra, British military spokesman Major David Gell said.
MOSUL - The bodies of six people, including a policeman, were found shot in different districts of the northern city of Mosul on Sunday, police said.
MOSUL - Gunmen killed two former members of Saddam Hussein's Baath Party in Mosul on Sunday, police said.
Labels: Baath Party, Basra, car bomb, Danes, IED, Karrada, Mosul, police, Zaafaraniya
Friday, May 11, 2007
Round-up of violence across Iraq
Security
Roundup of Iraq Violence - 10 May 2007
(McClatchy Newspapers) - The daily Iraq violence report is compiled by McClatchy Newspapers in Baghdad from police, military and medical reports. This is not a comprehensive list of all violence in Iraq, much of which goes unreported. It’s posted without editing as transmitted to McClatchy’s Washington Bureau.
(McClatchy Newspapers) - The daily Iraq violence report is compiled by McClatchy Newspapers in Baghdad from police, military and medical reports. This is not a comprehensive list of all violence in Iraq, much of which goes unreported. It’s posted without editing as transmitted to McClatchy’s Washington Bureau.
(Reuters) - Following are security developments in Iraq at 1200 GMT on Friday:
* denotes new or updated item.
* BAGHDAD - A U.S. soldier was killed and two others were wounded when a roadside bomb hit their vehicle in eastern Baghdad on Thursday, the U.S. military said. One of the wounded soldiers later returned to duty, the military said.
TIKRIT - One U.S. soldier was killed and nine were wounded by an explosion on Thursday during combat operations in Diyala province, north of Baghdad, the U.S. military said.
DIWANIYA - A U.S. soldier was killed on Thursday when his patrol came under small-arms fire in Diwaniya, 180 km (112 miles) south of Baghdad, the U.S. military said.
BAGHDAD - A U.S. soldier was killed by small-arms fire on Thursday in southern Baghdad, the U.S. military said.
BAGHDAD - U.S. troops killed four militants suspected of involvement in car bomb networks, including one believed to have links to senior al Qaeda in Iraq leaders in a series of raids in and around Baghdad and in the northern city of Mosul over the past two days, the U.S. military. Nine militants were detained.
ZAAFARANIYA - A mortar bomb killed two people and wounded four when it hit a market in Zaafaraniya district in southern Baghdad on Thursday, police said.
BAGHDAD - Police said they found 20 bullet-riddled bodies in different districts of Baghdad on Thursday.
MOSUL - Police found six bodies on Thursday in different districts in Mosul, north of Baghdad, police said.
BAGHDAD - Two mortar bombs killed two people and wounded one in southern Baghdad's Doura district on Thursday, police said.
DIWANIYA - A roadside bomb targeting a police patrol wounded five policemen and three other people on Thursday in Diwaniya, police said.
KIRKUK - Police said they found an unidentified bullet-riddled body bearing signs of torture on Friday in Hawija, 70 km (43 miles) southwest of Kirkuk.
KIRKUK - Gunmen killed one civilian in a drive-by shooting in Kirkuk, police said.
FALLUJA - U.S. forces killed several insurgents and destroyed three trucks with mounted anti-aircraft weapons on Tuesday near Karmah, a town near the western city of Falluja, the U.S. military said.
FALLUJA - Gunmen killed the deputy mayor of Falluja's municipal council in a drive-by shooting near his house, police said.
BAGHDAD - U.S. forces found a large cache of mortar rounds in western Baghdad on Wednesday, the U.S. military said.
* denotes new or updated item.
* BAGHDAD - A U.S. soldier was killed and two others were wounded when a roadside bomb hit their vehicle in eastern Baghdad on Thursday, the U.S. military said. One of the wounded soldiers later returned to duty, the military said.
TIKRIT - One U.S. soldier was killed and nine were wounded by an explosion on Thursday during combat operations in Diyala province, north of Baghdad, the U.S. military said.
DIWANIYA - A U.S. soldier was killed on Thursday when his patrol came under small-arms fire in Diwaniya, 180 km (112 miles) south of Baghdad, the U.S. military said.
BAGHDAD - A U.S. soldier was killed by small-arms fire on Thursday in southern Baghdad, the U.S. military said.
BAGHDAD - U.S. troops killed four militants suspected of involvement in car bomb networks, including one believed to have links to senior al Qaeda in Iraq leaders in a series of raids in and around Baghdad and in the northern city of Mosul over the past two days, the U.S. military. Nine militants were detained.
ZAAFARANIYA - A mortar bomb killed two people and wounded four when it hit a market in Zaafaraniya district in southern Baghdad on Thursday, police said.
BAGHDAD - Police said they found 20 bullet-riddled bodies in different districts of Baghdad on Thursday.
MOSUL - Police found six bodies on Thursday in different districts in Mosul, north of Baghdad, police said.
BAGHDAD - Two mortar bombs killed two people and wounded one in southern Baghdad's Doura district on Thursday, police said.
DIWANIYA - A roadside bomb targeting a police patrol wounded five policemen and three other people on Thursday in Diwaniya, police said.
KIRKUK - Police said they found an unidentified bullet-riddled body bearing signs of torture on Friday in Hawija, 70 km (43 miles) southwest of Kirkuk.
KIRKUK - Gunmen killed one civilian in a drive-by shooting in Kirkuk, police said.
FALLUJA - U.S. forces killed several insurgents and destroyed three trucks with mounted anti-aircraft weapons on Tuesday near Karmah, a town near the western city of Falluja, the U.S. military said.
FALLUJA - Gunmen killed the deputy mayor of Falluja's municipal council in a drive-by shooting near his house, police said.
BAGHDAD - U.S. forces found a large cache of mortar rounds in western Baghdad on Wednesday, the U.S. military said.
Labels: Baghdad, car bomb networks, Diwaniya, Doura, Fallujah, Hawija, mortar rounds, Mosul, Tikrit, Zaafaraniya
