Posted on 09/27/2005 10:06:02 AM PDT by aculeus
Al-Qaeda's second-in-command in Iraq has been shot dead in a raid in Baghdad, US and Iraqi officials say. Abu Azzam is described as the top aide to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari called the killing very important, and said those who informed on insurgents were helping to save hundreds of lives.
However, a statement purportedly from al-Qaeda in Iraq says it cannot confirm the death, and denies Azzam is the group's number two in the country.
In a separate incident, at least 10 people died in an attack on police recruits north of Baghdad.
At least 26 people were injured in the suicide blast in Baquba - the third major attack on Iraqi police in the last three days.
In other developments:
The bodies of 22 men, blindfolded and shot, are found in the countryside near the Iranian border
Gunmen fire on a police convoy taking detainees to Abu Ghraib jail, killing two people and wounding at least eight
Five civilians are injured as a car bomb explodes in central Baghdad
A police officer dies in a bomb attack in Kirkuk Zarqawi search
Iraqi national security chief Mowaffak al-Rubaie praised the operation against Azzam.
ABU AZZAM PROFILE
Real name reported to be Abdallah Muhammed al-Juhaari Also known as Sheikh Abdullah Abu Azzam, or the Emir of Anbar Based in Baghdad since April Financier and aide to Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, oversaw bombing campaign in the capital Believed to be Palestinian $50,000 reward for his death or capture
"We are pretty sure that we have got the number two in al-Qaeda, in Iraq, the one who's after Zarqawi, and to be quite honest with you, we're quite happy with the outcome," he told the BBC. A US military official said Azzam was killed in a high-rise block in the Iraqi capital after a tip-off from an Iraqi citizen.
"During the operation, which was held with the intent of capturing him, he fired and he was killed by return fire," Maj Flora Lee said.
But US and Iraq officials differed over the timing of the raid.
Maj Lee said it happened at 0450 local time on Sunday, while Iraq officials said it happened on Monday.
Another US spokesman said Azzam had been tracked for some time, and his death was a "significant development".
"This shows that we are actively going after the network. We've taken down the number two in the network and that is going to have an impact," Lt Col Steve Boylan said. "And whoever replaces him as number two, we will go after him as well."
BBC world affairs correspondent Nick Childs says that while the killing could be an important public relations boost for the US, it is not clear how significant Azzam is or whether his death could have a lasting impact.
The US authorities are offering $25m for the capture of Zarqawi, who is believed to be behind the beheading of several foreigners, as well as a long list of suicide bombings and attacks.
Tuesday's attack took place at 1000 local time (0600 GMT) at a centre for recruiting the elite Rapid Reaction Force, in Baghdad's al-Jadida district.
A US military spokesman said the bomber approached the police station on foot, making no attempt to conceal his suicide belt.
The victims are thought to include serving police, people queuing for recruitment and passers-by.
Story from BBC NEWS:
Published: 2005/09/27 16:47:17 GMT
© BBC MMV
This is about the 20th time they've killed No. 2. They don't last very long.
I wish we had shot Zarqawi where he makes Number 2....with pork-filled bullets.
I wonder if capturing, instead of killing, 'number two', would lead us to 'number one'...
Wake me when they get #1. Otherwise, don't f'ing bother.
Someone informed on the creep. Things are looking up in Iraq, regardless of what SIN-dy and other Leftist Losers say.
Paging Number three!
Number three?
Yesterday he was the #3 guy.
Looks like he moved up the charts.
Good job soldiers. Kill 'em all and stay safe.
Not one word of anything positive in Iraq. No bias at the BBC.
"Habib, your promotion just came in."
No it isn't. see: http://billroggio.com/
It's always good news when number 2 goes.
Heh heh heh
You said "number two"
heh heh heh heh heh
I don't think they have a command structure such that these goons can actually be called the managerial number 2.
I believe Number 2 is military speak for "We killed another high ranking Al Qaeda piece of $hit (ie "number 2")"
It's sorta like being an admiral in the Imperial Navy in Star Wars, except that we keep killing them instead of Darth Vader.
Prisoner: Who are you?
Number Two: The new Number Two.
Prisoner: Who is Number One?
Number Two: You are Number Six.
Prisoner: I am not a number. I am a free man.
Number Two: Ha, ha, ha, ha....
"Hey Abu, what's your number? My number is "Up".
"However, a statement purportedly from al-Qaeda in Iraq says it cannot confirm the death, and denies Azzam is the group's number two in the country."
Not any more, he isn't!
The only good terrorist is a dead terrorist.
Number two is in serious number two!
Yes, who ever plays this part in the movie version won't need a speaking part ... they don't last long enough.
Seriously, we've pretty much chewed up/destroyed the Mosul terrorist network by successfully running through about 3 or 4 "Emirs", each replacement is less capable, so it gets easier and easier to dismantle what's left. Along with that you grab a bunch of undrelings.
If we are starting to do that at the top echelon, it's a *very* good sign their days are numbered.
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