Posted on 09/17/2005 5:48:54 AM PDT by Wiz
BAGHDAD, Iraq - Coalition forces have arrested two alleged leaders of the al-Qaida in Iraq terrorist group, the U.S. military said Saturday.
The two men were identified as Taha Ibrahim Yasin Becher, whose alias was Abu Fatima, and Hamed Saeed Ismael Mustafa, also known as Abu Shahed. The statement said the two men, who were holding a meeting at the time of their capture, headed al-Qaida's organization in Iraq's third-largest city.
The statement said Abu Fatima took over as al-Qaida's top-ranking operative in Mosul 12 days ago, after his predecessor also was captured by coalition forces.
"The simultaneous capture of both leaders damages the organizational structure of al-Qaida in Iraq's northern network," Saturday's statement said.
On Thursday, Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch said the security forces had killed 226 militants and captured 757 in recent operations in Mosul and its vicinity. On Saturday, however, Iraqi authorities in Mosul announced that 500 detainees "who have not been proven guilty" had been released from detention.
Also Saturday, the military said that Iraqi forces and U.S. troops killed two insurgents and captured six in the city of Tal Afar, site of a major joint operation about 30 miles west of Mosul.
ping
OK let me be the first to say it.
They were both the #3 guy.
I just wonder how many top Al-Qaida leaders there are in Iraq? They seem to be a little management heavy.
And Fred Flintstone, known as Abu Dabbu Du.
LOL - thanks for the morning belly laugh, and source of joy - I LOVE THE READING OF CAPTURES IN THE MORNING. ;-)
Can somebody just give me a short answer on this:
Is there a major squeeze going on in Iraq that is about to break the back of the insurgency once and for all? One would never know from the media.
Everyone is in rare form today. THAT was funny! I'll be using your Flintstone joke around the "water cooler." Thanks!!!
al-Qaida Leader: any member of al-Qaida who doesn't have explosives shoved up their backside...
bump
The decision to go into Iraq is proving to be BRILLIANT!
We are getting the rats to come to the cheese and even better yet, we have other rats letting us know when the vermin are in the trap.
I wish that our media and the Democrats would shut their freakin mouths and let the process work...
Is there a major squeeze going on in Iraq that is about to break the back of the insurgency once and for all? One would never know from the media.
I think it was being planned before the Cindy Sheehadi show and the Katrina news blitz. I think it's a good thing in a way that not all eyes are on what our guys are doing right now. I think the press has given out too much information on our military operations and possibly compromised some of them. This sword cuts both ways.
Depends on how many infidels/pagans are standing in line, doesn't it.
"Abu #666, Abu 665 has been sent to hell. You're the leader."
"Abu #667, The Americans sent Abu 666 to hell to join his brothers. You're the leader."
And so on and so on . . .
yep...we've created a nice flame and the blind moths are coming right to it and being consumed.
"Abu #667, The Americans sent Abu 666 to hell to join his brothers. You're the leader."
And don't forget Abu-Hoo-that's Cindy Sheehan.
Your numbering system would be less confusing.
God Bless our wonderful troops.
Fyi...
Is that Arabic for John Smith?
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.